Grace Episcopal Arts Council of Grace Episcopal Church, Galena Grace Episcopal Arts Council was founded in 1995 in response to a parish wide vision process. Our mission is to enhance our worship service through the arts, both in the life of Grace Episcopal Church as well as in the larger community. The Council supports the Grace Church Music Program: That has been led by Pat Terry since 1995. We have an excellent choir and a number of skilled instrumentalists who regularly offer their best. Our Guest Artist Sundays bring many Tri-State area singers and musicians to enhance our Sunday service. A Community Concert Series: Consisting of at least three events annually. We have sponsored concerts in collaboration with groups such as the Rock of Ages Baptist Choir of Dubuque, the Dubuque Community String Ensemble, and the Dubuque Chamber Winds. In 2001 Jim & Janet Post performed The Heart of Christmas and in March of this year we hosted The Newman Singers. We have sponsored staged readings. Carole Sullivan directed The World of Sholom Aleichem this year, Lee Adami directed Mass Appeal in 1997 and Carole Sullivan staged Agnes of God in 1998. In 1999 Judith Simundson, award winning Norwegian storyteller, musician and singer performed America Fever. The Theatre Program: Throughout the year we go en masse to selected plays in the area, providing financial support for local theatre groups and fun for ourselves. Once or twice a year we have short dramatic presentations in place of the sermon. Many of our members are involved in a variety of theatre presentations. A Parish House Gallery: We feature four exhibits yearly. We recently upgraded the lighting to more professionally exhibit the artwork. The monies we raise as a council go for music scholarships, guest artists costs, to subsidize our community concerts when necessary, etc. We are currently in the process of planning and implementing a Meditation Garden next to the church. Gary David is building three planting benches to be installed this winter and a new iron gate and fence has been installed. A fountain and sculptures will be created as an oasis of calm in the midst of the bustle of downtown Galena. The meditation garden will be open to the public. Our Annual Art Auction on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend is our big fund-raiser. Come celebrate with Grace! THE 2003 SEASON COMMUNITY CONCERTS January 12 Charles Dean Exhibit Opening Reception for the Charles Dean photographic exhibit of "Galena and the Driftless Region" will be on Saturday, January 12th at 6 p.m. in the Parish House Gallery. The exhibit will remain in the Gallery through March 2008. Parish House Gallery 309 Hill Street, Galena Hours: Weekdays 9 am - 12 noon or by appointment. All exhibit opening receptions are 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. All programs are located at Grace Episcopal Church Hill & Prospect Streets, Galena except as noted. For more info: phone 815-777-2590