JMArts holds barbecue supper to raise money for school arts

SILER CITY, N.C. — Home-cooked barbecue plates will provide opportunity for student artists when Pig Out for JMArts is held at Jordan-Matthews High School on Friday, September 7, the evening of the annual football rivalry with Chatham Central High School.

The second-annual barbecue raises money to help musicians, actors and visual artists throughout the year.

All proceeds are used by JMArts, the nonprofit Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, for projects that include scholarships for student artists to study on university campuses during the summer, funding for the school’s November production of “The Little Mermaid,” tickets for students to attend professional performances and supplies for visual artists.

Chef Gary Lamach returns this year to prepare the barbecue. Lamach previously served as head of technology and testing at Jordan-Matthews and is a chef with years of experience in restaurants and catering.

Plates are $8 each and include chopped pork barbecue, slaw, bread, drink and dessert. They are available from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for “eat-in” at the JM Cafeteria or “take out” in a drive-through line beginning near the school’s main entrance. Anyone attending the home football game with Chatham Central that night may take plates into the stadium.

Tickets for plates may be purchased in advance during the school’s open house on August 23 or at the school’s front office beginning on August 27. Plates also may be purchased the night of the barbecue. Cash and checks made payable to JMArts will be accepted in the school office. Credit cards also will be accepted during the open house and the night of the barbecue.

“Last year's Pig Out was such a huge success that we can’t wait for this year’s supper — and to enjoy even more support from our community for our arts students,” said foundation president Rose Pate. “For lots of folks looking back on their high school years, an arts class was the best part of their day. It's the same for students today. Arts provide a place where kids are accepted for who they are and, at the same time, are encouraged to become their very best."

JMArts is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. More about the foundation, including how to become a member, is available online at JMArts.org.

# # # #

Karmen Brown awarded Helen Moody Art Scholarship

SILER CITY, N.C. — Karmen Brown, a senior at Jordan-Matthews High School, was presented the Helen Moody Art Scholarship on May 19 at the NC Arts Incubator in Siler City.

The $1,000 college scholarship is awarded to a high school senior based on work submitted as part of the application process.

Brown received the award from April Weaver, an artist operating April Weaver Art and director of the NC Arts Incubator. Also on hand for the presentation was Rahkie Mateen-Mason, art teacher for Jordan-Matthews High School.

# # # #

Seven local student artists named 2018 JMArts Scholars

SILER CITY, N.C. — Seven students have been named JMArts Scholars by the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, each receiving a full scholarship to attend a university fine arts workshop this summer.

They are Corrine Collison, David Gonzalez Hernandez, Aaron Partin, Jennifer Trejo Benitez, Jackie Vasquez, Samantha Zarate and Jose Zendejas.

Scholarships are funded through individual contributions to the foundation and income generated from ticket sales for the annual fall musical, fundraising projects and admission from a few major concerts during the academic year.

“We had a really great group of applicants this year,” said JMArts president Rose Pate. “The chance to live the life of a college music or art major for a week can make a big impact on their decision whether to pursue the field.”

Three musicians will study vocal music. Collison and Zarate will attend the ECU Summer Choir Camp in Greenville, while Trejo will study at the UNC Music Workshop in Chapel Hill. “Corrine and Samantha are both true leaders in our music and theatre program, and Jennifer has shown a lot of promise as she’s become involved,” said Pate. “I'm excited to see all these vocalists build on their skills this summer."

ECU Summer Band Camp in Greenville will host three other musicians. Gonzalez on clarinet and Partin on trombone will participate in the concert track, while Zendejas on trumpet will study jazz. "For each of these students, this will be their first time time to attend a residential music workshop," said Pate. "I know they will come back ready to be leaders in our program."

Vasquez, a vocalist and visual artist, will pursue visual art at the UNCG Summer Arts and Design Intensive in Greensboro. “Jackie is a talented singer, but she's also interested in art," said Pate. "I think it's great she'll have the chance to develop her skills in that area."

Since creating the awards six years ago, JMArts has presented 54 scholarships to 36 students, with some receiving awards to study for more than one summer. The initiative was designed to help young artists develop their talent, explore artistic options before making their college decisions and bring what they learn back to share with other Jordan-Matthews students.

Businesses and individuals interested in contributing to the JMArts Scholars program or other foundation projects may contact Pate at 919-742-2916 or rpate@chatham.k12.nc.us. Checks can be mailed to JMArts, PO Box 395, Siler City, NC, 27344.

More information about JMArts, including details about JMArts Scholars and upcoming events, is available at jmarts.org.

# # # #