Luncheon series collaboration kicks off Dec. 10 12/4/2007 Programs offer way to spotlight arts community By Joy Campbell Messenger-Inquirer Bluegrass and butterflies. Mystery and mammals. Sculptures and scrapbooking. A new yearlong luncheon series called Arts Teach All that kicks off Dec. 10 will feature these six topics and more. Eight cultural organizations in Owensboro and Daviess County are collaborating with The Learning Community to present the new series. Donna Risley, a member of the series steering committee, said the programs offer a way to spotlight a flourishing arts community. "We still have a lot of people who are not aware of the opportunities we have here," said Risley, who is a former RiverPark Center director and continues to act in local productions. The series is a good venue for newcomers as well as longtime residents, she said. "We, in the arts community, are excited about the opportunity to reach more people," Risley said. The luncheon programs will address the "there's nothing to do" refrain, organizers said. "Sometimes you have to open the doors wide the first time to get people to participate," Risley said. "Then, it gets to be habit-forming." The fine art museum will kick off the series at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 10 as it hosts a lunch program in conjunction with the annual Holiday Forest exhibition and Crossroads: Spirituality in American Folk Tradition. The exhibit of more than 300 contemporary works represents artists and craftsmen from southern Appalachian, Native American and Hispanic cultures. Crossroads includes objects on loan from private and public collections across the nation. The Holiday Forest presents a forest of trees and special features complementing Crossroads. The series is a collaboration among The Learning Community and these groups: -- International Bluegrass Museum. -- Owensboro Museum of Fine Art. -- Owensboro Area Museum of Science and History. -- Owensboro Public Art Commission. -- Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. -- RiverPark Center. -- Theatre Workshop of Owensboro. -- Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. "The series was created to give residents a new way to explore the community's amazing arts organizations," said Tracy Marksberry, executive director of The Learning Community. Marksberry said residents may decide to bring a workplace group or some other network to discover the local arts offerings. Programs are planned for each month. Reservations are required at least five days in advance of the event to allow for adequate food preparation, Marksberry said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Attend To make a reservation for the Arts Teach All luncheon at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10, contact Tracy Marksberry at The Learning Community, tmarksberry@owensboro.com or 926-4339 by Wednesday. Cost is $15 per person.