ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, January 18, 1997 TAG: 9701200019
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
The board of the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley has voted to merge with the Friends of the Pulaski Theatre in hopes of broadening its services.
The Pulaski-based center has sponsored art exhibits, classes, performances and other activities for New River Valley residents since 1978. The Friends group was organized after the theater closed in 1991 and was given to Pulaski County by its owners.
Michael Dowell, Fine Arts Center director, said restoration of the 86-year-old former movie and vaudeville house could expand arts offerings in Pulaski.
"Live theater and dance performances could be held there, concerts ranging from the Roanoke Symphony to top bluegrass artists could be held, gospel singings, public forums debating important local issues, and movies could once again be shown," he said in a note in the current center newsletter. Pulaski currently has no movie theater.
A new roof to prevent weather deterioration and a fund-raising effort to restore the building are among the Friends activities. The organization mailed more than 1,000 questionnaires to a random selection of county residents last year to gauge support for the projects.
"By working with the Friends of the Pulaski Theatre, we can perhaps broaden the services we provide," Dowell said. "Such a performance facility could revitalize our downtown, our town and our county."
This would fit into other Pulaski plans for an expansion at the town museum housed in a former rail depot building, and efforts to bring Appalachian League baseball back to Pulaski with a Texas Rangers farm team, he said. "All these possibilities fall under the heading of entertainment. Entertainment is the generator of tourism, which is a big industry," he said.
The center, located with its gift shop across the street from the now-closed theater, is featuring an exhibit by Floyd County artist Kazhia Kolb. It is sponsoring a free performance at 7 p.m. Jan. 25, of the Heritage of America Tradewinds Quintet at its annex. Seats can be reserved by calling 980-7363.
LENGTH: Short : 46 linesby CNB