Trumann night of arts a success

Trumann natives Clinton and Joseph Curtis performed at the event.

The Trumann Fine Arts Council held their annual membership meeting with entertainment and refreshments Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Christian Life Center at Trumann First Baptist Church. Dorothy Martin, who served as master of ceremonies, was responsible for organizing the special 25th anniversary meeting.

Over 50 members of the community enjoyed hearing speeches and musical selections from Trumann natives Clinton Curtis, Joseph Curtis and Ethan Constant.

Brothers Clinton and Joseph, sons of Carol and Randall Curtis of Trumann, performed on the saxophone and trumpet. Clinton and Ethan also gave speeches.

Clinton, who is the 2009 recipient of the Jules Martin Musical Scholarship, gave a speech entitled "Peanut Butter and Jelly." He gave a brief history of the peanut and peanut butter, interesting trivia information and other entertaining tidbits about the favorite American food. Clinton won fourth place out of 400 other students who participated in the second annual Arkansas State University Speech Contest.

Constant, who won fifth place in the contest, gave a speech entitled "The Guitar Speech." He used a light approach to present information about how to get started in learning to play the guitar.

Special guest was Gay Jackson of Jonesboro. She will be directing an upcoming TFAC production planned for Feb. 18, 19 and 20. She spoke briefly to the members and encouraged all interested parties to attend the auditions, which will be held in a drop-in format from 5 -- 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7 at the new Trumann High School auditorium. The play is expected to be comedy.

Tommie Gairhan, part of the TFAC board of directors, was honored with an Award of Excellence. Letha Owens, president of the board, presented Gairhan with the award.

"Tommie has worked hard as the chairman of the Jules Martin Musical Scholarship fund," Owens said. "She's spent many hours on the project and we're very appreciative of her invaluable contribution to our program.

She has served as musical co-chair for two years along with Dorothy Martin.

John Cook was awarded the 2009 Outstanding Volunteer Award for all his contributions to the fine arts program.

"We appreciate all his help to the program," said Owens. "We can always depend on him."

Those who are interested in more information about the Fine Arts Program are invited to call Letha Owens at 483-5878 or Barbara Lewallen at 483-5016.