Dear Members and Friends,

The second half of the NCAFA&E year is about to begin and I want to remind you of our scheduled activities and announce some new programs.

On Sunday, February 22 at 2 PM, The Greers Ferry Fine Music Series is presenting a free Fine Music Concert at the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church. Performers will be internationally renowned artists, Rossitza Jekova-Goza on violin, and Linda Beckman on piano; as well as Nan Lu, University of Oklahoma Concerto Winner. David Goza, music historian, will provide the introduction of composers and music. A reception to meet the artists will be held.

The regular NCAFA&E concert series resumes on March 8, at 2 PM at the Kirk. The program will be "The Carenbauer Farrell Duo." Tradition and technology happily coexist in the music of guitarist Michael Carenbauer and cellist, Felice Farrell. Their repertoire ranges from Bach to contemporary American music. Farrell was acting principal cello with the Minnesota Orchestra and solo cello with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Carenbauer has performed internationally in Italy, France, Austria, Mexico, Canada, and Hong Kong. All NCAFA&E concerts are free to students. Admission at the door is adults $8 and Members $6.

NCAFA&E will host a March 14 Pancake Supper at The Lions Club from 5 PM to 7 PM. Tickets are $5. All proceeds will help fund NCAFA&E programs. We promise good food, fun, door prizes and entertainment. You may purchase tickets at: the Arts and Crafts Store in the mall, from board members, or at the door. Help us keep the Arts in North Central Arkansas-buy a ticket!

The Sunday, April 5 Concert, will be performed by The Festival String Quartet at the Kirk of the Hills, from 2 to 4 PM. The Festival String Quartet brings an array of talent from Shreveport, Louisiana. Musicians are Leonard Kacenjars, violin Russell Lewis, violin, Pam Martin, cello and Zachery Grant, viola. They have all played in symphonies in Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana.

On Sunday, May 17 at 4 PM the "Chriswell in Concert" will play at the amphitheater in Woodland Mead Park. Jeff and Traci Glover bring contemporary, folk and Christian music to the NCAFA&E Concert Series. Jeff writes music and has performed with such artists as B.B. King. Traci is an accomplished jazz blue vocalist. In case of bad weather the concert will be at the Kirk of Hills.

North Central Arkansas Foundation for the Arts and Education is 20 years old this year. It has been a vital part of this community. You can help by supporting its programs financially, enjoying its entertainments and activities, and volunteering your time and talents to help keep it going. Over 1500 students have enjoyed programs this year from artists NCAFA&E and our sponsors have brought into the schools. NCAFA&E membership is only $20 a year. A Concert Series Membership is only $40, which includes 6 concert tickets and full privileges of membership in NCAFA&E. Our board of directors wishes to express a special thanks to members and businesses who have helped keep the programs going in Van Buren and Cleburne Counties. NCAFA&E sponsorship levels are listed below:

$20-$99 = Friend
$100- $249 =Sponsor
$250-$499 = Supporter
$500-$999 = Patron
$1000 & Over =Program Builder

We are an all voluntary 501c(3) group who need your help to continue the mission which is described in our mission statement as: "North Central Arkansas Foundation for the Arts and Education provides opportunities for children and adults to participate in activities encouraging a life long appreciation and fulfillment in the arts and humanities."
Thanks you for your loyalty and devotion to the arts in the past, we hope we can count on your support in the future.

Our year runs from July 1 to June 30. If you have any questions, please call 501-253-7909 or email NCAArts@ncafae.org. You can also check out our redesigned web page which will be up and running soon at www.ncafae.org.

As our 2008-2009 concert series begins the second half of the season, we look forward to seeing all our old friends and to becoming acquainted with new friends of the Arts.

Best Wishes,

Lea Berry, President
NCAFA&E Board