Kelly Pound began his position as the Public Relations Director of the Forney Arts Council in August of 2011.Though he works full time as the Director of Exhibits at the Texas State Fair, he did not back down when FAC Board members requested he take on the P.R. position as a volunteer. He has lived in Forney for 12 years, and has an Art degree from U.N.T. Mr. Pound also knows what he wants for Forney, “I want people to come to town and say WOW!”His love of art shines when he speaks about his vision for the arts in Forney, “I think art should be a part of everyone’s life. We want to restore creativity in this town, and get our name out there. The more artists we reach out to, the more that will just keep coming to Forney.” The FAC has been focusing their attention on the downtown area at this stage. The plan is for a pedestrian friendly downtown, with possibly murals, sculptures and art venues highlighting the area. The new Crumbzz Tasting Pavilion and Gallery of the Arts is a perfect example of what the future of downtown Forney holds.
Pound said that Forney has embraced Crumbzz owner J. Stephen Sadler and in return Sadler has embraced the arts and will benefit from it as much as Forney will. In addition to all the fine art work being shown at places like Crumbzz and inside the American National Bank, music is being embraced as well. The FAC has been sponsoring “House Concerts” through the Forney Live program. A variety of talented musicians from a number of genres have been gracing Forney with their talents at live shows held in some of the beautiful Victorian homes on Center Street. There will be many more of these intimate performances in the future. A concert may hold 40 to 200 people, and according to Pound, “It’s a chance to meet the artists, eat with them and enjoy their music as well.”
As many in Forney know, an amphitheater is being built at the Forney Community Park. Pound says that the target date for its opening is July 4, 2012. It will seat up to 5,000 people on the stone walls that will be tiered up, as well as on the lawn seating. Though the details on how the theater will be best utilized is still being debated, it is likely that local artists will perform and that bigger acts will be attracted to the venue as well. Whether it is at the park or in downtown Forney, Kelly Pound hopes that an annual Arts Festival can eventually take place, with the possibility of a Music Festival as well.
Pound wants people to know that FAC volunteers do what they do because they are passionate about it. He would love to have new members join the FAC and lend a hand in creating the Forney they wish to see. He gives much of the credit for the FAC’s growth to EDC Executive Director Kim Buttram, “Without her, the FAC probably would not exist.”
The FAC already offers a painting and drawing class by local artist Cindy Fritz and they intend to expand the number of classes available. Individual memberships are only $20 and a family can join for $35. Businesses are welcomed to join for $100 and they also have $50 “Partner” memberships in which the FAC will promote your arts related classes and workshops. They are also looking for local businesses to help sponsor future house concerts and FAC events. If you are interested in joining the FAC and enjoying the benefits of helping to make Forney a destination for cultural arts, you can find more information by clicking on the FAC website here.
Pound said that Forney has embraced Crumbzz owner J. Stephen Sadler and in return Sadler has embraced the arts and will benefit from it as much as Forney will. In addition to all the fine art work being shown at places like Crumbzz and inside the American National Bank, music is being embraced as well. The FAC has been sponsoring “House Concerts” through the Forney Live program. A variety of talented musicians from a number of genres have been gracing Forney with their talents at live shows held in some of the beautiful Victorian homes on Center Street. There will be many more of these intimate performances in the future. A concert may hold 40 to 200 people, and according to Pound, “It’s a chance to meet the artists, eat with them and enjoy their music as well.”
As many in Forney know, an amphitheater is being built at the Forney Community Park. Pound says that the target date for its opening is July 4, 2012. It will seat up to 5,000 people on the stone walls that will be tiered up, as well as on the lawn seating. Though the details on how the theater will be best utilized is still being debated, it is likely that local artists will perform and that bigger acts will be attracted to the venue as well. Whether it is at the park or in downtown Forney, Kelly Pound hopes that an annual Arts Festival can eventually take place, with the possibility of a Music Festival as well.
Pound wants people to know that FAC volunteers do what they do because they are passionate about it. He would love to have new members join the FAC and lend a hand in creating the Forney they wish to see. He gives much of the credit for the FAC’s growth to EDC Executive Director Kim Buttram, “Without her, the FAC probably would not exist.”
The FAC already offers a painting and drawing class by local artist Cindy Fritz and they intend to expand the number of classes available. Individual memberships are only $20 and a family can join for $35. Businesses are welcomed to join for $100 and they also have $50 “Partner” memberships in which the FAC will promote your arts related classes and workshops. They are also looking for local businesses to help sponsor future house concerts and FAC events. If you are interested in joining the FAC and enjoying the benefits of helping to make Forney a destination for cultural arts, you can find more information by clicking on the FAC website here.
