Special to Clay Today
ORANGE PARK -- For the first time on one stage, more than 170 community artists will combine their talents to bring Clay County Christmas to the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $18 -$12 and can be purchased by calling the THCA Box Office at 904-276-6750 or at THcenter.org.
THCA Executive Director Tony Walsh, who created and wrote the script for Clay County Christmas said, "For our fifth season at the THCA, I wanted to really focus on, and celebrate the arts in our own community and the community in our arts… Clay County Christmas will establish what I hope will become annual holiday tradition."
A true community partnership, Clay County Christmas is sponsored by MarketMasters of Southeast, Inc., Louis Huntley Enterprises, Jiffy Lube, Publix Supermarket Charities, Vystar Credit Union, Florida Tel-Con, The Pace Island Guild, Beth Eifert and the Clay Today.
In mid- August, the Clay County Community Band, the Orange Park Chorale, the Manatee Cove Players of Paterson Elementary School and the Orange Park United Methodist Church Chancel Bell Choir and Inspirations Ensemble have been rehearsing separately for the holiday show.
Walsh knew for the final act he would direct a live nativity. "I wanted it to be stunning and I wanted it to really celebrate the community and the season," he said. To accomplish his vision, in September Walsh held community auditions to cast Mary, Joseph and other community members.
In the meantime, scenery, props and lighting were being discussed and designed by the technical staff of the THCA. Costume designer Susan Ainley, a Clay County resident began taken measurements and sewing the fabrics she received from Boca Bargoons.
Walsh first presented community actors in his original stage play Florida Suite. The three-act play was a hit with audiences, and proved to Walsh that support for community artists in the area was strong. He will continue his commitment to present local arts groups at the THCA with Clay County Christmas.
"I am excited," said Walsh. "The hard work is about to pay off. If you count the visual artists of the Art Guild of Orange Park, Inc., on display in the Lee Adams Florida Artist Gallery, there will be more than 225 community artists represented at the THCA this holiday season. That is just incredible!"
December 1st 2008 - 12:16PM