Christmas reception for our DAA artists

Tuesday night, December 8, 2009, was a special night for Delta Arts Alliance as we honored our artists-in-residence with a reception at the Ellis Theater. In spite of bad weather (including tornado warnings), the Ellis lobby was filled with enthusiastic board members, artists, DAA supporters, and news media. We appreciate the artists who work with us in a four-county area (Bolivar, Coahoma, Tallahatchie and Sunflower counties). Merry Christmas to all!

Pictured are Henry Dorsey, former chairman of the Fine Arts Department at Coahoma Community College; Dr. Lenagene Waldrup, chairperson of DAA programming and recent recipient of the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts; and Heather Short, Executive Director of DAA.



DAA Treasurer Blake McGaughy and his wife Donna pose for the camera.


DAA Board members present for the reception take advantage of a photo op.

First two photos by Beverly Ray Card

Board photo by Heather Short

Oh, those fabulous lights!

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Delta Arts Alliance wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving season! We are grateful for your support.


Image courtesy of Ted Solomon

Masquerade party big success!

Pictured above at the DAA Masquerade party are Don Conger, Bob Wilbanks, Wilma Wilbanks, and Mandy Heslep-Whitten.


The October 31st Masquerade party and Antique Auction proved to be a rousing success. A number of attendees stayed till the wee hours of the morn, dancing to oldies and engaging in delightful camaraderie. Fabulous costumes were the order of the day (although not required), and most of the guests dressed in fine fashion.

The addition of an antique auction also was a clever fundraiser, thanks to the vision of party chairmen Bob Wilbanks and Will Jacks.

Let's do it again next year!



Wes and Gina Sigler party as a "guy and a doll"!

Masquerade and Antique Auction - October 31!

The Delta Arts Alliance Masquerade Party and Antique Auction is set for tonight, October 31, and it promises to be a wingdinger. If you've not called for tickets you may still pay at the door for music and dancing and a chance to bid on 75 fabulous antiques/ unusual items. The community has been so generous, and we're looking forward to a great evening. Time: 8 p.m. . . . Place: The Warehouse, Cleveland, Miss. . . . Tickets: $25 . . . Costume optional . . . Dinner and drinks may be purchased from The Warehouse.



In the picture, Myrtis Tabb and Beth Jacks try on costumes at the recent New Orleans costume trunk show at the Ellis. A good time was had by all . . . as usual!

More pictures from DAA reception for the Davises

OCTOBER 8, 2009 ~ Reception at Ellis Theater
honoring Jack and Ann Davis

Mayor Billy Nowell, Mickey Thompson, Jack Davis, Ann Davis

Food table and the beautiful arrangement by Bob Wilbanks

Guests enjoyed the fellowship, food and art in the beautiful new lobby!


[Photos by Beverly Ray Card.]

Upcoming DAA party!

[Image by Will Jacks via iPhone. The hound sculpture, a past Crosstie Festival winner, graces the entrance to the Ellis building.]

Mark your calendar for Saturday evening, October 31! That's the date of the Delta Arts Alliance Masquerade Party and Antique Auction to be held at the Warehouse in downtown Cleveland. Call 662.843.3344 or 662.588.7135 for more information. Public is invited!

Delta Arts Alliance honors Jack and Ann Davis

[Image of marquee taken by Will Jacks with iPhone.]

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Thursday, October 8, 2009, saw Delta Arts Alliance supporters gather to honor Jack and Ann Davis, former Mississippi Deltans and now Californians. Jack and Ann were early supporters of DAA's efforts to refurbish the old Ellis Theater building, creating an arts center for the Cleveland area.

Believing in the purpose and mission of DAA to establish a program and an arts center that would enhance cultural and artistic experiences for all Delta citizens, all ages and races, the Davises put their money where their heart is, trusting in DAA leadership to get the job done. And so it was -- the first phase of the Ellis renovation is complete, and plans are underway for Phase II.


[Picture of Ann and Jack Davis by Beverly Ray Card. -->]

The October 8 reception featured the unveiling of a bronze plaque declaring the lobby named for Ann and Jack Davis. Cleveland Mayor Billy Nowell, assisted by building co-chairman Mickey Thompson, presented the Davises with a proclamation of appreciation from the city. Lenagene Waldrup read a poem and gifted the Davises with a creative movie poster titled "Miracle on South Court Street," starring Ann and Jack Davis. Hilda Povall proposed a champagne toast, which was enthusiastically cheered by all.

Antique Army-Navy tablecloths covered the food and drink tables. Planned by Beverly Ray Card and prepared by DAA board members, the delicious refreshments were served on silver, and a gorgeous arrangement of lilies, sunflowers and red peppers atop a silver cherub pedestal, another exquisite creation by Bob Wilbanks, set the tone for a beautiful evening.


Pictured are Mickey Thompson, Jack Davis and Ann Davis. Picture by Beverly Ray Card.