From the Beaufort County Arts Council

The Beaufort County will hold its annual membership on June 25 at 1 p.m. in the Turnage Theater. At this time, members will hear a recap of the year’s past activities and get a preview of the organization’s plans for fiscal year 2014-2015.  Nominations for incoming Board Members will be presented and all members in good standing will be eligible to vote.

According to executive director Joey Toler, the next year will be an important one for BCAC.

“This fiscal year will begin our first full year at our new home at the Turnage. Last year at this time we were still in discussions about whether or not to take this huge step. Today, we are here. What a difference a year makes,” said Toler.

BCAC is embracing its new role as a presenting organization while maintaining its schedule of being involved in approximately 50 cultural programs in a three county region.  Since the organization’s move to the Turnage in January of 2014, BCAC staff has increased from one full-time and two part-time positions to two full-time and four part-time positions. BCAC at the Turnage is now open six days a week showcasing its gallery of rotating exhibits and the Lane Gift Shop & Gallery, in addition to special events in the theatre. BCAC is closed on Mondays.

According to Toler, BCAC will increase its reliance on volunteers in the future.  “While volunteers have always been important to BCAC, we are now looking at this more formally by establishing a volunteer database to make sure that we use anyone who is interested in helping out, and matching their talents with specific roles,” said Toler.

Committees will also play a bigger role in the organization going forward. The annual meeting will include an appeal to members and supporters to become involved in one or more of the various committees that will support BCAC and its many activities.

Membership information is available at BCAC’s website at www.beaufortcountyartscouncil.org, or by visiting the Turnage at 150 W. Main St. in Washington. All members, along with members of the public, are invited to attend the annual meeting.