Small Towns Have A Lot To Offer

I’ve heard this said many times about small towns: “The best thing about living in a small town is that everybody knows everybody. The worst thing is everybody knows everybody.”

In small towns you meet the most interesting people and learn some surprising and fascinating things. Besides the convenience of getting around and having time to enjoy life, small towns offer a sophistication and worldly charm.

Winnsboro in northeast Texas has a population of around 3,500. It is known for its autumn trails, when visitors go to see fall color. Lately it has been attracting artists and entertainers to show their works and perform. Winnsboro’s Center for the Arts has been in operation twenty years. It was started by a dedicated group of residents who thought something needed to be done to showcase local artists and musicians; some are nationally known and have won important honors. Jami Moore is the center’s director of programming.

“We have painting classes, several different workshops throughout the year, including calligraphy, tie-dyeing and all types of creative endeavors. It’s a great way to try something new. Some people learn to play an instrument here.”

Jami got academic and athletic scholarships to college where she was on the wrestling team. She earned a master’s degree in art education. She was an elementary art teacher in Dallas and decided she wanted to travel and live abroad.

“So I went to Chile to teach English then was a peace corps volunteer in Myanmar and the country of Georgia. I wanted to find a position where I could use all of the skills and experiences I had acquired and was lucky to find this position in Winnsboro.”

The center has two buildings. One houses a performance space that seats 210 people. There a concert or play there every month. Most of the shows are sold out. A new performance hall is on the horizon. It’ll have a much bigger theater and a bigger space for art exhibitions

RENNAISANCE UNDER THE STARS is a gala held in the spring. An event called ART AND WINE takes place in the fall. It’s a huge festival that draws around 5,000 visitors. Works from 60 artists are displayed and juried. The first, second and third place winners go home with prize money.

The Center is funded by annual memberships, fund raises and grants. Jami is the only fulltime employee. Two other staff members are part time.

“We have an amazing group of volunteers. We have hard working, friendly people here. It’s really a cool, special little place.”

Winnsboro’s downtown is full of shops and good places to eat.