Florida Keys Council of the Arts

For Immediate Release

Contact Monica Haskell, 305-295-4369

2004 Arts in the Afternoon Lunch Series Focuses on Dance

Photo caption: Dancer Kerry Carter will be seen in Arts in the Afternoon 2004 luncheon series,devoted to dance, and benefiting the Florida Keys Council of the Arts Dance Scholarship Fund.

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts invites you to Arts in the Afternoon 2004, a series of lunches benefiting the performing arts. This year the afternoon series will be devoted to dance. The series will benefit a Dance Scholarship Fund, in the homes of Joyce Stahl and Shirley Freeman.

The first lunch and lecture/demonstration in the three- part series will begin at noon on February 6 in Ms. Stahl's garden at 727 Eaton Street. After lunch and conversation, guests will adjourn across the street to Shirley Freeman's ballroom for an introduction to classical ballet.

The second and third luncheons in the series will focus on modern dance and jazz. They will also be held at the two beautiful homes, both recipients of Old Island Restoration Foundation awards. Dates are March 12 and April 2.

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts maintains two scholarship funds in the performing arts, an annual writer's award, and three grant programs. Since 1997, $290,792 has been raised and awarded to individual artists and cultural organizations for artistic and operating expenses. Additionally, Cultural Umbrella grants of nearly $500,000 annually are administered by the arts council.

June Girard, Chair of The Florida Keys Council of the Arts invites you to purchase a $75 series ticket to Arts in the Afternoon 2004 as a special gift for yourself and the arts community.

Since 2001, luncheon benefits have included the Keys Chorale, the Keys Chamber Orchestra, the Red Barn Theatre, the Waterfront Playhouse, and the Founders Society. Guests have been treated to behind-the-scenes talks by about music, direction, costume design and set design.

A series ticket is only $75. A single event ticket is $30. Seating is limited. Call the Council of the Arts @ 295-4369 for more information and to make your reservations NOW.

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