Greater Conroe Arts Alliance unveils two sculptures honoring the arts in Conroe

CONROE, Texas -- The Greater Conroe Arts Alliance will unveil two sculptures honoring the arts in Conroe on Saturday, August 3, 7:00-7:30 p.m. at Founders Plaza Park, adjacent to The Owen Theatre, 225 Metcalf Street in Conroe, Texas. The event is free and open to the public.

These works of art are ‘The Cellist’ in honor of the Young Texas Artists Music Competition and ‘Dave Parsons, 2011 Texas Poet Laureate’ in honor of Conroe's own celebrated poet.

The bronze sculptures were created by artist, Craig Campobella, and will be on permanent display at Founders Plaza Park in Conroe.

"We are honored to have Dr. Gary Gibbs, executive director of the Texas Commission on the Arts as our special guest for this important ceremony," said Joe Kolb, president of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance. "This is a big step for Conroe toward our goal of enriching the community with public arts projects." Kolb added that elected Montgomery County and City of Conroe officials will also be present.

Annette Spikes, member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance expressed her appreciation of the work of Campobella.

"Craig is a visionary and award-winning artist with a keen and passionate interest in preserving the history of Texas and the history of his community through timeless bronze art," said Spikes. "He is currently in the planning stages of developing bronze sculpture for historically minded organizations in Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee as well as his adopted hometown of Conroe. Preserving important achievements of heroes past and present is where he most enjoys utilizing his talents and vision."

After the unveiling of the sculptures in Founders Plaza Park, attendees may opt to stay for The Players Awards, a black-tie evening featuring the presentation of The Monties, the awards given for outstanding performance and technical achievement for the past season of The Players Theatre Company. This part of the evening begins at 8:00 p.m. in The Owen Theatre. Tickets for The Players Awards are $10.00.

During The Players Awards, the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance will present its second annual Visionary Award, an honor given to an individual who has shown exceptional vision and selfless promotion of the arts in Montgomery County. Presenting the awards will be Poet Laureate Dave Parsons and 2012 Visionary Award recipient Susie Pokorski.

After The Players Awards, the festivities continue with an elegant "after party celebration" in Founders Park Plaza and will include music, dancing, refreshments and a chance to congratulate the award winners.

The unveiling ceremony is free and open to the public. Tickets for The Players Awards are a bargain at $10, but seating is limited and reservations are recommended. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit The Monties. For more information about the Unveiling Ceremony, please contact Annette Spikes at aspikes123@consolidated.net

The Greater Conroe Arts Alliance is a collaborative 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives by providing quality arts programs and events to the community of Conroe and the surrounding areas. The Alliance believes that participation in and support of the arts is an investment that enhances the entire community economically while providing an uplifting and fulfilling cultural experience to everyone. For more information, visit Greater Conroe Arts Alliance.

Photo Caption:

Dr. Gary Gibbs, executive director, Texas Commission on the Arts, is making a special trip to Conroe to be on hand Saturday, August 3 at Founders Plaza Park at 7:00 p.m. for the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance ceremony for the unveiling of two sculptures by Craig Campobella. Gibbs is shown here with Susie Pokorski, recipient of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance 2012 Visionary Award.