Mission Statement

Foley Performing Arts Association

Mission Statement

In 1966 the dream of a live symphony performance in Foley brought together twelve persons who organized a non-profit civic organization - the South Baldwin Performing Arts Association - to bring their dream to reality. They got their symphony performance and Baldwin County acquired a vital force in its cultural department.

Today the Performing Arts Association has developed programs that reach far beyond Foley, bringing a broad range of performances, exhibits, and festive events to the area. Strong emphasis is placed on the local schools. Thousands of school children each year benefit from Artists-in-Schools programs, theatre, poetry, mime and dance. There are choral and instrumental music performances and master storytelling.

Support for the PAA comes from 700 individuals, Families, businesses and monthly gifts by Colonial Bank, the City of Foley and Gulf Telephone Company. The Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation of Chicago, Illinois also supports the Association in special projects. From its earliest beginnings, the PAA has had the constant goal of strengthening the cultural environment of Baldwin County.

Cultural Enrichment Programs in the local schools has continued to be the main focus of the Performing Arts Association. We sponsor outstanding performances and special events in the Foley area to more than twelve schools with over 5,500 students. This is in addition to our annual Scholarship and Merit Awards Programs to Foley High School graduates. Funding for these programs is generated through proceeds from consignment sales at the Art Center, membership dues and projects.

In addition to the year round Art Center gallery, which features more than 300 fine artists and craftsmen, the Performing Arts Association sponsors three annual events in the South Baldwin community. Following is a brief description of those events.

Trim-A-Tree: This annual consignment sale begins the second Friday in November and continues until Christmas. Over 250 quality artists and craftsmen, all members of the Performing Arts Association, fill the Art Center with wonderful decorations, artwork and gift selections.

Snowbird and Newcomer Reception: The first Friday in February is always a popular day at the Art Center, 300 - 400 visitors from the north come to enjoy food, music, door prizes and artist’s demonstrations. The sales for the Art Center on this day increase each year.

Art in the Park: For over thirty years on Mother’s Day weekend the John B. Foley Park has been the site of this highly successful fine Arts and Crafts show. The PAA’s commitment to children features a Student Art Exhibit with 12 South Baldwin schools participating. Art in the Park enjoys a reputation of being an excellent show in both quality of work and the outstanding organization.

We have wonderful plans for 2009 and invite you to be apart of our success. We would deeply appreciate your support of our growing organization, without you, none of this could be possible. The Performing Arts continued growth and progress has only been realized through the steadfast support of caring businesses and individuals such as you. Please join us in our quest of making a true difference by creating one of the finest enrichment programs possible.

Sincerely,

Linda Koniar and Zana Price
CoPresidents
Performing Arts Association

Email: foleypaa@gmail.com