“I’m nuts about me,” said actress Anne Guynn.
Onstage the evening of Monday, May 17, at the Vets Memorial Hall, as part of her showcase performance, Anne performed a scene from Neil Simon’s play, Chapter 2.
She got well-deserved laughs from the 170-strong audience.
The entire room seemed to be nuts not only about Anne, but also about the whole eye-poppin,’ ear-pleasin’ evening.
The occasion was the Santa Maria Arts Council’s Annual Grants Showcase. The place buzzed with excitement as seven talented, young local artists and performers strutted their stuff and snagged a total of $10,000 in grants from the Santa Maria Arts Council. (One dancer wasn’t able to attend.)
First place winners each took home $1,500, while those placing second garnered $1,000 apiece.
Dr. Bill Reid played a mellow keyboard during the wine reception. After the dinner buffet catered by Suave Katering, there was an impressive program of dance, music, drama, and visual arts. Teacher Marti Fast beamed as her students talked about their work.
This particular evening was special because it also honored an exceptional young couple who promote creativity in children: Dr. Joseph and Chris Slaughter.
PCPA’s Mark Booher emceed and was cheered on by a lot of PCPA folks: Roger De Laurier, Judy Frost, and PCPA Foundation board president Nancy Johnson.
Gary Rice and wife Joan, Claire Terrill, Karen and John Ransome, and Alice Patino were among the congenial crowd.
The really hot and desirable silent raffle items included two stunning covered pots by Bob Nichols, an original acrylic painting by Bob Burridge, and a Nat Fast watercolor picture of MacBeth. A delighted Kate Burridge took home one of the Nichols pots.
Nat introduced the Slaughters and presented them with their award. Chris was the first president of the Orcutt Children’s Arts Foundation (OCAF) when it was established in 2002. Since that time, she and Joe have been continuously involved. They have also been super supportive of and active with the children’s Discovery Museum.
OCAF acknowledged the contributions of the Slaughters with two tables of supporters. Among those joining in the applause were former board president Mike Gibson, Sharon McHolland, Ken Parker, and OCAF board VP Brenda Sullens.
While Chris is the more visible of the two in community affairs, Joe is without a doubt “the wind beneath her wings.”
[image-3] “It takes two,” volunteered long-time friend Brenda Sullens, who has worked with Chris and Joe at OCAF. “It takes a team to accomplish what the Slaughters have. Without a supportive, caring spouse, you can’t be as large a force in the community as Chris is.
“The arts are her passion,” Brenda continued. “She has always surrounded herself with creative people. You can see that quality in her now.” (Chris is PR director at Café FX, arguably the most creative workplace in town.)
Bottom line: the Slaughters are always there for OCAF and kids.
“We are thrilled with this honor,” Chris told me. “It means a great deal to Joe and myself.”
Craig Shafer, PCPA’s publicity guy, is president of the Arts Council. Anyone interested in becoming a member and attending its monthly lunchtime meetings at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church can go to the Arts Council website, smartscouncil.org, for an application form. Individual memberships cost $25.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in May 20-27, 2010.