Art for the Artless
By Jackie Peronne jacper@juno.com

Photo by Jackie Peronne Katie Fox, director of education at the S.C. Arts Commission

It's new, it's free, and it's designed for the adventurous mind who wants to explore old horizons in new ways.

"The Audience Road Show" will take 20 of the curious- but- clueless on a trip through Columbia's art world. Along the way, artists and musicians and performers will make new friends and develop an expanding world of art lovers.

"How many folks are intimidated by anything known as The Arts?" said Katie Fox, director of education at the South Carolina Arts Commission where this plan originated.

"We know there are many out there who have thought of attending a concert or an art exhibit, but back off because they think they don't know enough about it. They think you have to have studied Mozart or Cezanne or the Ballet Russe before you can appreciate it. We want to prove they're wrong," said Fox.

The Arts Commission has planned an ambitious nine- month program for 20 select volunteers, which may open new worlds for them. It will take the group behind the scenes and even encourage their active participation in that particular creative effort.

The plan is open to volunteers ages 23- 39. The participating organizations are Nickoleodeon, The Columbia Museum of Art, Trustus Theatre, The South Carolina Philharmonic, and The Power Company.

"When you had arts appreciation in the sixth grade, maybe you had to sit and learn. Our program could be called Get Up and Do. Whether it's acting, painting, or music, participants are going to take part, learn new things, and get outside their comfort zone with a group who is going through the same experience," said Fox.

The group will meet twice a month on Tuesday evenings from September through May. They will visit artists and, attend a performance or exhibit. The New Audience Roadshow will be asked for their opinion on the things they have seen and done and about the program.

"If it works out well here in Columbia, we could offer this kind of package in other S.C. cities. We're hoping to create a new generation of art lovers," said Fox.

For more information, call Katie Fox, South Carolina Arts Commission, (803)734-8767 or www.south carolinaarts.com or www.my space.com/ newaudienceroadshow. Application deadline is July 10.