The Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative (NAC) is delighted to announce that we’ve leased space at 411 East Hospital Street, where we will host gallery shows, classes and meetings. The grand opening is scheduled for mid-November, details TBD. The non-profit will continue to partner with other arts organizations in hosting performances and larger events at a variety of locations.
Slightly cooler weather made for successful events in September. For the second year, NAC decorated the windows at Mast Hall for the Old Town Rig Down hospitality suite, also hosting an array of artists vending their wares. NAC sponsored ArtFest the following weekend around the square downtown with all vendor spaces sold out. A big thanks to Crystal Hicks for all of her hard work for this event. Popularity continues to grow for “Make Your Mark” activities at all NAC events, where the public is invited to color, do chalk art, or paint.
Look for NAC volunteers at the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market Fall Fling Saturday, October 7, 9-1. Super promoter Joanna Temple is putting together a fundraiser for NAC at The Cottage Wine Bar, 122 N. Mound St., on October 13 and 14. Expect live art, vendors, music, plus a “sip & paint” activity each evening. Look for details on our web page www.nacartscollab.com and our Facebook page.
SEPTEMBER ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Meet our Executive Director CC Conn!
CC Conn is an arts professional with a deep background in education, mentoring and theatre technical skills. Since 2005, CC has taught theatre at SFA where she is currently professor of sound and lighting and remains dedicated to the art of teaching students how to be theatre professionals. Her work has been seen and heard in hundreds of plays, musicals and radio plays at SFA and in theaters and entertainment venues across the US, including the ’96 Olympics in Atlanta. CC’s skills at SFA have been recognized with several teaching and creative awards, including the 2021 Teaching Excellence Award and a 2021 President’s Innovation Grant. She is currently serving as Faculty Senate Chair for 2023-2024.
Despite hailing from out-of-state, CC now has deep roots in Nacogdoches. When she was hired by SFA, CC moved to town with her 8-year-old son. He grew up here, and graduated from Nacogdoches High School. When he went to college in 2016, CC realized that she had fallen in love with East Texas in general and with Nacogdoches in particular. By then, CC had established important connections within the local artistic communities; not just with other theatre people, but also musicians, painters, sculptors, writers, dancers and singers. “There is so much talent here. I wanted to help these artists showcase their art and create opportunities for them to get paid for their work. The Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative was established as a 501(c)(3) organization to do just that.”
About the NAC’s new space, soon to be open to the public, CC said, “We are so excited about opening up our new space at 411 East Hospital Street. It’s so fulfilling to see this dream of ours crystalize into reality. We want it to be a welcoming spot in the community for all artists, and we look forward to seeing everyone when our doors are officially open.” Stay tuned.