LAC celebrates 25 years

Published 12:01 pm Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Leeds Theatre and Arts Council celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday night, August 21, with an evening gala.

Friends of the LTCA came to help celebrate the quarter of a century that the council has brought a “touch of class” to the community through plays, musicals, visual arts presentations and so much more.

Guests were treated to a decorated evening of celebration and memories. Commemorative glasses were given to each guest and awards of recognition to past presidents, some special friends and supporters of the LTAC.

Catered refreshments by Ambrosia Catering were served to the delight of all.  The LTCA selected scenes from various productions since their inception in 1985. The DVD cataloged performances from the past, present and student performers that the Arts Council has supported over the years.

“Oklahoma,” the first performance hosted by the LTAC, right up to the most recent production of “Oliver,” were included in the scenes. Previous shows of artists, choral pieces and guest performers’ bulletins and clips were featured to remind citizens, members and volunteers of the contributions the arts council makes to the city.

In 2000, the arts council bought their current home from the city of Leeds. No more borrowed performance venues, or meeting rooms, the LTAC had purchased a place to hang their hat.  

“We weren’t sure how we would meet the note on our new building the day the note was signed,” said Doris Jarvis. “In five short years it was paid off.”

Jarvis, a past president, presented the audience with a storied history of the arts council and its evolutions from a fledgling of the Jefferson County Community Education program to its current status as an independent non-profit organization.

In an effort to support future events at the LTCA, items were available for silent auction in the lobby during the celebration. Guests bid on items such as a signed basketball by Charles Barkley, a beach weekend and other items.

The LTCA grew from a simple group of people interested in fostering the arts in a small community to a driving force for the arts in Leeds and surrounding communities as well.

“We began with our simple production of Oklahoma,” Jarvis said. “Admission was $3 a person for that show.”

Now the council hosts an artist of the month reception each month. There are play productions, karaoke events, book signings, painting classes, and theatre workshops. The LTAC looks to continue its support of the students and citizens of Leeds through culture and the arts.

“I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for us,” Jarvis told the audience.

For more information on the LTCA and its activities or to join their membership visit :

www.leedsartscouncil.org or call (205) 699-1892.