On August 9th, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, the first arts council in the country, hosted a virtual “Mask-uerade Parade” launch party for its community-wide MASK designing competition. The competition will support the Council’s 2020 Community Fund for the Arts campaign.
The event was the brainchild of Arts Council Board member, Holly Pavlika. Philip Powell of the Little Theater and Eric Dowdy of EDO Media volunteered their time arranging for live streaming of the event. The launch party was hosted by Talitha Vickers of WXII and featured entertainment by local artists and arts organizations who graciously donated their time and skills in artwork, dancing and music.
The MASK designing competition will culminate with the MASK-UERADE virtual parade on September 19th. There will be winners named in several categories. A mask entered into the competition must be an original creation that can be painted, sewn, welded – use your imagination. The submission must include a 30-second video or photo which will be featured on the Council’s social media accounts. All of the submissions will be compiled into one video and streamed on September 19th as a virtual PARADE OF MASKS! The winners will be selected by a panel of judges.
Eryn Crews, the Council’s director of annual giving observed “as we struggle through these challenging times, we remember that the arts and our amazing arts constellation in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County are a part of our community’s very foundation.” Arts Council President Randy Eaddy said, “Participating in the virtual MASK-uerade parade launch party and parade, which people can do safely with friends and neighbors, and giving generously, is a great way to show support for the arts community.”
For more information, please visit www.intohearts.org/mask.
