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P is for Paducah
T
he Paducah Symphony Orchestra, like many organizations these days, is constantly in search of new fundraising opportunities. Launching this November is one of their newest and most innovative ideas to date: P is for Paducah; an alphabet and art book. “I discovered a book in Louisville about a year ago called L is for Louisville,” explained Juliette Grumley, long time symphony supporter and board member. That book featured local artists who had illustrated interesting facts about the city. I immediate thought, especially with Paducah’s wonderful artist relocation program and all the artists that we have locally, it would be a perfect project as a fundraiser for the PSO. It also had the added benefit of showcasing our talented local artists.” Families are bound to love P is for Paducah.
The idea takes shape Last spring, the symphony held a community-wide contest to determine which trivia was to be associated with each let-
by Jamie Lober Purchase Parenting and Family Magazine
ter. “A committee was formed and we put out a call to local artists for the illustrations,” Grumley explained. “Any artist in the McCracken County area could submit a proposal and their vision for how they would represent a letter,” said Grumley. Many entries were received and eventually the committee chose the twenty-seven artists whose work will appear in the book, (one for each letter and one for the cover.) “We’re very pleased that this has turned into an opportunity to gain local exposure for our artists,” Grumley told me. “We also have different individuals and businesses that have generously supported the project by sponsoring a page.” The book and original art will be debuted at the Paducah Symphony Orchestra’s November 3rd concert. “It will be a hard-bound book retailing for twenty dollars plus tax and the art will be offered that night at a silent auction,” explained Grumley. Any artwork that does not sell will be relocated to the symphony office starting on Monday morning and will be available for sale. “Of course, we are hoping we will sell everything on the night of the concert,” said Grumley.
Proceeds will fund music education There is no better family outing than the symphony. “The symphony has been around since 1979 and is one of the wonderful cultural assets of our area,” said Grumley. There are seven season concerts including a wonderful Christmas event which usually sells out. Proceeds from the book will go toward the many county-wide education and outreach programs that the PSO organizes, and produces. “We have a very active children’s chorus and started a youth orchestra this year,” Grumley told me. We are also in partnership with the McCracken County Library and produce a musical story time that travels out into the community. It reaches over 3,500 kids with presentations.” Early exposure to classical music and the performing arts has shown to be educationally beneficial. “The musical story time this year is on Bach and a little original book was written and illustrated called Rock with Mr. Bach,” Grumley said. This beautiful, soft-bound book will be given to 3,500 school children in McCracken County,”
Teaching heritage and history
P is for Paducah is not just a beautiful picture book. It’s a wonderful way to teach your children and friends about the culture and heritage of the area,” Grumley explained. The concepts in the book went through thorough review before 20 • November2012 www.purchaseparenting.com