Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

York County is a 'beacon of the arts'

By

‘Sunflowers at Sunset’ by Gerry King will be among work on display at “Piedmont Perspectives: Artwork by the Catawba River Art Guild” at the Museum of York County. Opening day, Jan. 20, will feature ‘Come Draw With Me,’ where the public can sketch with artists.
‘Sunflowers at Sunset’ by Gerry King will be among work on display at “Piedmont Perspectives: Artwork by the Catawba River Art Guild” at the Museum of York County. Opening day, Jan. 20, will feature ‘Come Draw With Me,’ where the public can sketch with artists. Museum of York County Contributed

York Co. a beacon of arts in S.C.

I recently attended the 2018 Arts Council Annual Celebration on Thursday, June 28th. I was prepared to hear a recount of the Council's 40th year's activities as we celebrated this anniversary. However, after having attended what I thought was a goodly amount of the events, I was surprised at the number actually provided our community by the staff and volunteers!

They far exceeded my expectations and the economic impact, as provided by a study done by Americans for the Arts, was an astounding $27 million industry in York County just in 2016! ACYC events and facilities served over 153,043 people from 154 cities, 34 states and 2 countries in 2017 via the various festivals; AG+Arts Tours; exhibits; concerts, etc not to mention all they do for the youth of our community with the popular art camps held during the summer.

All of this under the capable guidance of one special lady, Debra Heintz, Executive Director of the Arts Council. Mrs. Heintz always points to her staff of only 7 people; the Board of Directors and network of dedicated volunteers versus taking any credit for the events; planning; fund raising (the hardest part of the job); and banging the drum for our community. I commend Mrs. Heintz for all of her efforts and that of her staff for making York County a beacon of the arts in our state with the best yet to come. Thank you, Arts Council of York County!! You bring the beauty of the arts to us all!

Colleen P. Coesens
Rock Hill

Sweet memories of Bowater

Hope some of you still remember the old Union Hall where we Bowater group had our Christmas party every year. We sure had a great time. We ladies all brought food and then the band would start to play and we sure danced our hearts out.

What a good time we had. They played all that good old rock and roll. I still dance and have that rock and roll rhythm but some days move a little slower but have fun. God has let me keep the rhythm and the sweet memories of you all. Hope you all had a great July 4 and vacation.

Shirley Washburn
Rock Hill

This story was originally published July 5, 2018 at 4:55 PM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER