THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 3, 1994 TAG: 9406010162
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Marlene Ford
DATELINE: 940603 LENGTH: Medium
Just looking for something to do in the area of culture? Look no further than Virginia Beach, according to Glenn Payne, of the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission. After three years of planning, the commission, in cooperation with the Department of Museums, came out with its own brochure highlighting an impressive number of the city's cultural assets. The brochure, titled ``ARTS in Virginia Beach'' includes the names and contact numbers of performing arts, visual arts, student arts organizations, museums and historic sites. It also has an access number for an area-wide calendar of events.
{REST} ``This brochure captures the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission's vision in terms of our desire to promote a spirit and image of the arts that is unique to Virginia Beach,'' Payne said.
The 11-person commission is a volunteer board appointed by City Council to provide performing arts and cultural programs to the citizens of Virginia Beach. It includes approximately 35 member organizations and provides grant funding to the various organizations while serving as an arts advocacy group.
The brochure is something visitors may use. And it also will be included in the information packages that the city's Department of Economic Development presents to business prospects, Payne said. ``The arts and culture resources of a city represent a quality of life factor which is considered when CEO's make relocation decisions for their families and employees.
``But it is primarily for home consumption,'' Payne said. ``It will encourage residents to take a second look at the tremendous variety of cultural attractions that are available right here.''
He added that as the 1994-95 season subscription drives are going on now, the brochure is a good reminder to re-subscribe now to favorite series or even add new arts interest.
Printed on glossy blue and gold paper, the cover features an actor, violinist, ballerina and trombonist on the beach. But for all it's glitz, the work was largely done pro-bono and the 50,200 brochures cost approximately $7,500. The amount was approved by the arts commission in a move to make more people aware of local arts and as the copy says, ``Come test our cultural waters.''
The brochures are available at area libraries, recreation centers, arts organizations and arts events. For more information about the ``ARTS in Virginia Beach,'' Payne can be reached at 431-3733. He is also special projects coordinator for the Department of Museums.
\ ARTIST DON FORTUNATO, who sculpted the life-size ``Risen Christ'' statue at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, is presenting a workshop June 4-5 at Studio Arts Gallery in Norfolk. The workshop is titled ``Sculpting the Small Head from Life.''
Fortunato is known for his portraits of well-known personalities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Beverly Sills. His sculpture, ``The Black Madonna,'' is another of his religious works in Norfolk.
The workshop is open to the public at a cost of $45, plus supplies. For information and registration, call 587-8519.
by CNB