On the evening of Aug. 12, the Smyrna City Hall Chamber was filled with citizens desiring to learn more about the new Smyrna Arts and Cultural Council. Known as SACC, the arts council grew out of the city sponsored Visioning Process and has quickly become an important promoter of cultural arts in Smyrna. Performing arts, concerts, lectures, adult and children’s education, visual arts, and historic displays are but a part of the wide ranging activities that SACC will foster and cultivate.
Acting Chair Dr. Bill Marchione explained that SACC was established to cultivate and promote arts and cultural activities in Smyrna for the enjoyment and enrichment of our diverse community. Dr. Marchione said a dedicated group of 40-50 people have been working since March to build an organization that will promote Smyrna’s artistic vitality, so that our fast growing community will become a true cultural destination.
The Chair of the Smyrna Visioning Process, Councilwoman Melleny Pritchett and Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon, spoke briefly to the crowd. Both pledged their support and were very complimentary of the efforts of the SACC group. “We can’t thank you enough for what you are doing for our city,” Mayor Bacon said. Councilman Corkey Welch was also present and circulated through the crowd, thanking and encouraging the members.
The meeting also included nominations and elections of a slate of officers and board of directors. After the elections were concluded, newly elected president Jeff Jones addressed the gathering stating how thrilled he was to preside over such an important endeavor, and pledged to work closely with the city, the SACC board, and the various committees as they work on a broad range of cultural endeavors. “Membership growth will be an early priority,” declared Jones. “And if the attendance tonight is any indication of community support, we’re off to a very good start.” Other newly elected officers include Bill Marchione, Vice President; Troy Sather, Treasurer; and Shaun Martin, Secretary.
Perhaps the most significant announcement of the night came when the new SACC Secretary Shaun Martin joined with Justin Rabideau, Director of Kennesaw State’s Zukerman Museum, and Geo Sipp Director of the School of Art and Design and confirmed that they were partnering with the Arts Council and would assist with an ‘Our Town’ grant request from The National Endowment of the Arts (NEA). Rabideau explained that Kennesaw State’s desire to reach out to the greater Cobb County community coordinates well with the goals of the Smyrna Arts and Cultural Council.
From the September 2015 issue of The Bright Side, Cobb County Georgia’s Newspaper covering Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, Powder Springs and Austell, GA.
