The Greater Picayune Arts Council, GPAC, is gearing up to host two exciting events in October.

“A Mother’s Son,” a musical soundtrack written and produced by Richelle Putnam and Ralph Gordon, will be presented at 6 p.m., Friday, October 10 at PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans in Picayune. Admission is a $10 donation at the door. For reservations and information, call 601-569-2138.

The second event, the October “Art Works” Show, is scheduled for 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, October 18 at the Centraplex Civic Center (Old Mississippi Mall) in Picayune. It will serve to introduce the newly forming GPAC to the community and to whet the community’s appetite for more exciting events to follow.

“The day is a celebration of art of all types,” said Joanna Dupont, GPAC member, PRC Arts League member and painter. She said there are four types of art being represented by GPAC members arranged under the following categories: Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Literary Arts and Crafts. Feature demonstrations of each of the different types of art will take place throughout the event.

The day also boasts a silent auction featuring some of the work of local artists. Proceeds from this activity will directly benefit GPAC. GPAC members will decorate the space for the auction to give it a “French Quarter” ambiance. “People will get some real bargains,” said Sylvia Stanton, GPAC member and painter. “Some original paintings will start at only $25 and we will see where they go from there.”

Refreshments, such as popcorn and cotton candy, will be available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 601-569-2138 or email artscouncilpicayune@yahoo.com.

GPAC is a gathering of community members with or without an artistic bent. It is seeking to fill the much needed void of having an arts council in Picayune. The seeds were planted when the City of Picayune advised that such an organization be formed under the guidance of Mississippi Main Street, Inc.

The council is first and foremost about the community. “It’s a good tourism draw, and Picayune could grow,” said Reba Beebe, Picayune Main Street Manager. She is working very closely with GPAC to help bridge the communication link between the organization’s and the community’s needs.

Don’t miss either of these two exciting events. For more information, call 601-569-2138, or email artscouncilpicayune@yahoo.com.