Letter to the Editor, Beaufort Gazette, 16 January 2002

Arts panel, director boost Jasper County


Many times, in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we forget to say thank you to those who bring us the less tangible aspects that make life enjoyable. So I want to take this new year to thank one specific organization and, within that organization, one specific individual.

The Beaufort Arts Council is without a doubt one of the most active and effective arts councils in the state. It accomplishes many great and creative things with a tiny office staff and a tight budget. The Pigs on Parade and The Cows on Vacation are prime examples of innovation in art. Thank you, all of you that give of your time and money to make the Arts Council what it is.

Much credit must go to the Executive Director Eric Holowacz. Without his dedication, his knowledge of the art world and his firm belief that the impossible can be accomplished if one just tries hard enough, the state of the arts in Beaufort would be as dismal as it is in so many counties in South Carolina. As the vice president of the struggling Cultural Council of Jasper County, I have first-hand knowledge of Holowacz' willingness to share his expertise and to give of his time to help other organizations. It is not that these efforts take away from his work in Beaufort as some may claim, but they in fact enhance his effectiveness since they remind him how much the Beaufort Arts Council was struggling to succeed in bringing various artistic endeavors to the county. I thank Holowacz for what he has done for Beaufort and thank him for the assistance ge gives to the Cultural Council of Jasper County.



Carl F. Lehmann Cultural Council, Jasper County Ridgeland

Letter to the Editor, Beafort Gazette, 6 January 2002

Arts group, director,staff deserve a hug



You went mad over the cows. You piled praise on the pigs. Now here comes the Art-o-mat!

What will Eric Holowacz, that marvelous maestro of the Arts Council of Beaufort County, think of next?

For the past few years, we have dined on a sumptuous banquet of artistic delights served up by Holowacz and the Arts Council.

The Taste of the Arts series has consistently offered unique, exciting adventures into the arts for Beaufortonians and the University of South Carolina Beaufort art gallery is teeming with ever-changing, always intriguing exhibits.

You can read about all of it in the ARTSNews, the Arts Council's sleek, professional newsletter, put together by Holowacz with the help of that talented dynamic duo, Gina and Jada.

What you may not be aware of is the behind-the-scenes assistance that the Arts Council provides for local artists and groups.

Many individuals and groups have received aid and support from Holowacz and the Arts Council. Holowacz is always ready with moral support, tips on fund-raising, advertising suggestions, and an infectious joie-de-vivre that makes you feel anything is possible.

Our small company, WildWomen Productions, will present The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler on Feb. 9 at USCB. This would not be possible without a generous grant from the Arts Council of Beaufort County. With their financial support, we can offer this fine production to a much larger audience this year.

As a result, we will raise more money for two local charities, Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse and the Rape Crisis Center of the Lowcountry.

Hurray for the Arts Council! Hurray for Eric, Gina and Jada! Stop by the Arts Council office on the way to the Art-o-mat reception and give them all a big hug!

Suzanne Larson

Louise Trask

Beaufort