Bonham, Texas -- Very early estimates are that the Creative Arts Center raised about $11k at their first ever Taste of Chocolate Gala. This new event was held at the Multipurpose Complex in Bonham on February 22.
The event featured live jazz music, silent and live auctions, chocolate vendors, photo booth and more. Belle Rae’s provided an extreme grazing table for guests. The center’s board set up two chocolate fountains with several dipping treats, plus a whole candy bar filled with a variety of chocolates.
Six local artists were painting and drawing at the event. Later in the evening, their artwork was sold in the live auction. Next year’s event is already set to happen on February 21, 2026.
additional event photos at the end of the article
The Creative Arts Center has issued two calls for art. The first is for the March Art Show with a theme of Naturally. The center is seeking artwork that celebrates anything about nature, including human nature. As always, the center also welcomes artist choice of artwork. Artwork is due by March 6 to be in the show and is due by noon on March 5 to be considered for selection to be featured on posters in the front of the center.
The second call for art is for the Budding Artist Contest. Children and youth under age 18 are encouraged to enter up to three pieces of artwork for the center’s annual art contest. Artwork is due by April 2. For those who need assistance in framing or wiring their artwork to be ready for hanging in the gallery, their artwork is due by March 27. Complete rules and important information is available on the center’s website. Entry forms are available at the center.
The center has many art classes scheduled for the coming weeks. Brush & Brunch with Jaye will be on March 11 from 11 am to 3 pm. This class includes painting and lunch. Mixed Media and Music will be held on March 5 from 2-4 pm and March 20 from 5-7 pm. Garden Charm workshops are an opportunity for participants to learn how to turn their old jewelry and trinkets into garden art. Classes for this will be held on March 8 and March 22 and led by Michelle Haynes with Estella SheShop and Art Lounge.
John Wilson will be leading a six-week class dubbed Draw Pardner that will meet on Thursdays, from 1-3 pm starting March 6. This class will cover many basic elements of drawing.
Frances Kelly will lead a class in basket weaving with pine needles on March 20 & 27.
Hilary Holderer will lead a Paint & Plant class on March 22. The deadline to sign up for this class is noon on March 13 to allow time to get the needed supplies.
Kids Crafts for ages 4-9 and Youth Mixed Media for ages 10-17 are held on Tuesday afternoons from 4-5 pm on March 11, 18 and 25. Kids Paint Party with Jaye will be on Saturday, March 15.
Jessie with 3 Little Bird Painting is hosting a Longhorn and Bluebonnet paint party on March 25.
Artist Get Together will be held on March 28 from 1-3 pm. Sip & Stitch is a free time for fiber artists to bring their current project and enjoy fellowship with others who like to crochet, knit, embroider and create other fiber arts. The next Sip & Stitch is set for March 27 from 6-8 pm.
Other new classes are being added to the center’s schedule nearly every week. Go to www.CreativeArtsCenterBonham.org to get more information about classes and to sign up.
Open Mic Night will be held on Friday, March 21 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Folks who want to sing, play music, read poetry, tell jokes or otherwise entertain are welcome. No pressure to perform and folks who want to be entertained and cheer on the performers are welcome too. Free admission. Donations encouraged.
The Creative Arts Center is a nonprofit organization started in 2001. The center is located at 200 W 5th in Bonham. The center is open Tuesday – Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to noon. For more information, call (903) 640-2196 or go to www.CreativeArtsCenterBonham.org.
