The purpose of the all volunteer Fine Arts Council is to assist and foster the arts in this underserved rural region of the UP with objectives of bringing performing arts, plays, concerts, dance, exhibits and instrumental programs to the residents and many visitors of the area. The FAC also works to supplement the music and arts programs in local schools and takes pride in the fact that almost all of its income has been used to provide local students with scholarship aide for summer arts programs. Youth Scholarships
Want to help? Here are areas where you can help your arts community TODAY! Email us at info@eupfac.org if interested.
Our greatest contribution to the community to date is the number of scholarships we have been able to provide to local students. To date we have granted over $20k for youth music, art and theatrical scholarships at summer camps. We also sponsor a monthly visiting artist during the summer months and this summer plan to hold at least two art classes targeted for elementary-aged children.
Community Choir
The Community Choir is a changing collection of 30-40 folks who like to get together and sing and perform. They put on two concerts a year and are sponsored by the EUPFAC. The concerts are free, but donations are encouraged. All monies raised at the concerts are earmarked specifically for the scholarship program.
Theatre Arts
Every year we put on two or three theatrical productions. Usually a straight play, a musical and sometimes a Christmas program that involves children. This program has been wildly popular.
Fine Art Festival
The EUPFAC sponsors a fine arts festival the last Saturday in June. Weather permitting, it is an outdoor festival type of affair with painters, jewelry makers, craftsmen and much more.
An Afternoon of Music
In mid-late summer we have some guest musicians come and bless us with their talents. We've had harpists, opera singers, folk musicians and last summer we had a string quartet of visiting musicians from the Grand Rapids Symphony. Well, the symphony players enjoyed themselves so much they have committed to making it an annual gig. This year they will be performing over Labor Day weekend. The concert is free, but all donations will go toward the building restoration fund. There is a champagne reception after the performance.
A Village Christmas
The first Saturday in December our little village takes a walk back in time. Folks dress in victorian era clothes, a horse and buggy wagon circle the town and local artists and crafts people display and sell their wares.
Fundraiser Events
The EUP Fine Arts Council puts on three regular fundraiser events each year. We kick off the spring with a Derby Night. Wear your big hats (or not) and come and bet on your horses. You can use your "EUPFAC Bucks" winnings to bid on great gift baskets donated by EUPFAC members. Mint juleps and appetizers are also in attendance. It is a lively and fun event enjoyed by everyone who attends.
By mid summer we do a silent auction and dance. Local DJ Kevin B provides the tunes and the local artisans, businesses, and artists provide the lovely and unique items upon which you can bid. We've had hand-painted rockers, original paintings, woolen arts, handmade jewelry, wood carvings...a wide selection of unique items. This year we are combining forces with Sacred Heart and their infamous chicken BBQ to provide the community with a really great event.
This September we are very lucky to have a group of ladies from Drummond (The Red Hot Flashes) put on a fundraiser event for us. It is a murder mystery luncheon and sounds like a complete hoot. It's on our event calendar, you can get more info there.
In the fall, usually the first weekend of October we put on a Fall Fashion Show. Area clothing retailers provide the stylish duds and EUPFAC provides the models. A luncheon is included with your door entry as well as coupons from some of the participating retailers. Grab a girlfriend, mother, daughter or sister and come have a girl's afternoon out.