The Arts in 2009

January 2009

As we begin the new year, it is a time to reflect on the events of 2008 and a time to look forward to all that 2009 may bring.

I have recently concluded my first year on the board of Frisco Association for the Arts. It has been a fun year, and I have enjoyed working with the staff (Sharon and DeAnn). They are the glue that keeps things together. And where would we be without Amy Hardin and all of her hard work and vision for the arts?

As we look forward to 2009, our new leader will be Larry Hansard. With Amy and Larry's hard work and insight, FAA is ready to move on to the next level. They both understand the importance of the arts.

Recently I attended a meeting where former Mayor Mike Simpson spoke. He shared with us the importance of the arts for a community such as Frisco. He stated that although sports are king in Texas, there are many more students that are interested and involved in the arts than in sports. Those involved in the arts are academically high achievers and will be our leaders of tomorrow. He also stated that when large corporations consider moving to an area such as the Metroplex, they not only consider quality of life issues such as education, transportation and taxes, but high on their list is the arts.

As I look forward to 2009, I am excited about the future of FAA and the arts in Frisco. I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the board and wish each of you a happy holiday and a prosperous 2009.

Best Regards,
Larry Yowell, Treasurer
Frisco Association for the Arts

Etiquette, the Lost Art
(The French did it!)

In today's society instant and fast seems to be the protocol. As we move about quickly demanding everything to process immediately or become obsolete, we are creating a culture that is rude and often disrespectful. Etiquette, what is it and what does it mean? If you ask the average person they may relate it to dining or saying thank you. However etiquette is much more than dining properly or saying thank you. The word etiquette originated in Old France and was defined as "ticket or rite of passage".

Much of today's formal etiquette originated in the French royal court during the 1600-1700's. The nobles who lived at court did not work, and so they developed elaborate social customs mostly to avoid becoming bored. This word came from an old French word meaning ticket. This code of behavior soon spread to other European courts and eventually was adopted by the upper classes throughout the Western world. Now that you have had your history lesson, you are possibly asking "How does this affect me and my social network of family and friends?"

Well up until the 1960's etiquette was taught in school. Today manners have become more relaxed. Etiquette today is based on treating everyone with the same degree of kindness and consideration, and it consists mostly of common sense. However, it is imperative to know some rules about how to behave in certain situations as your future can depend on it! Often schools, universities and corporate organization will observe your ability to adapt in various social situations and make determinations according.

Art is defined as an expression, the principles or methods governing a craft or branch of learning. Etiquette was once viewed as an art when it originated in the 1600's. Today we, as a western society, must once again embrace the skill of etiquette and pass it on to the next generation.

Written by Jerri Grant-Robertson Founder of

Visit www.jgrgroup.com or call 972-624-1436 for more information

Jerri is also an executive member of the Board of Directors at Frisco Arts

Happening in January
Frisco Arts Center
6827 Main Street
Frisco, TX 75034
972.668.5180

Don't Miss Word of Mouth Production's Performance
of
"Pied Piper"
Sat. Jan. 24 & Sun. Jan. 25
Contact www.wompproductions.com for more information
Ask for the Frisco Arts Member Discount

Pictures from "Holidays In Old Downtown"

Former Frisco Mayor, Mike Simpson & VAGF President, Diana Moya

Kathryn Petroff and other VAGF Artists Exhibited Their Work

Potter and Young Artists

Meet the New Frisco Arts' Mascot

Collin County Ballet has very graciously agreed to provide dancers to perform at special events as the new Frisco Arts' Mascot. Thank you to Elizabeth Dubret and Lauran Lukacsko for assisting us at the Holidays In Old Downtown!