Bonham, Texas -- The Board of the Fannin Community Foundation, which operates the Creative Arts Center met on January 6, 2025. They welcomed three new members to the board, including Michael Evans, Michelle Haynes and Kristy Englutt. They also celebrated the contributions of local artist Chris Cravens who has served on the board for fourteen years, including the last year and a half as the board president.
Cravens spoke at the board meeting about what a jewel the Creative Arts Center is for this community. He challenged the board members to be involved and get others in the community involved too. He commented on how the center promotes personal growth and encourages creativity and he encouraged the board to continue the work of the center. While this may have been Cravens last board meeting, he still plans to stay active at the center. He will be teaching a watercolor class for beginners on Thursday afternoons in February. In addition, he will continue to display his artwork in the center’s monthly shows and be a regular attender at Music in the Garden, Open Mic Nights, Reader’s Theatre, Kidz Krew and other events. For January, his artwork will be featured in the East Gallery.
The board voted in new officers for two year terms at their January meeting. Jenn Self Knight is the new President, Brad Silwood is the new Vice-President, Hilary Holderer will continue one more term as secretary and Sarah Osburn will become the new board treasurer. Other local representatives currently serving on the board include Carol Irving, Caroline Blackwell, Karen Sims, Donna West, Jessie Bryant and Ramiro Ortiz. At the meeting, the board also voted to add two more new members: Brenda Magness and Sy Shahid.
Incoming President Knight thanked Cravens for his time, efforts and devotion to the center. Knight spoke of how honored she is to accept the role as president of the Creative Arts Center. She noted that next year, the center will celebrate 25 years of operation. She is excited about all that is happening at the center and looks forward to building on all that has been accomplished as she leads the center into the future.
The Creative Arts Center is a private, non-profit that was started in 2001. The center operates an art gallery and gift shop and regularly offers art classes for all ages. The center also hosts performing arts events too, including music concerts, theatre, open mic nights and more.
Upcoming classes include acrylic painting, watercolor painting, basketweaving, barn quilts, suncatchers, cookie decorating, belly dancing and yoga. Check the center’s website for class details and registration.
The Center is currently seeking sponsorships and auction items for their upcoming gala event dubbed Taste of Chocolate. This gala event will be on Feb 22 at the Complex in Bonham. The night will include a celebration of the arts, live jazz music, silent and live auctions, heavy hors d’erves, beer, wine, and of course, lots of chocolate! Sponsorship and ticket information is available on the center’s website or at the center. The Creative Arts Center is located at 200 W. 5th in Bonham and open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon. For more information, go to www.CreativeArtsCenterBonham.org or call (903) 640-2196.
