Bosque Arts Center remains temporarily closed to the public due to COVID-19 pandemic, events cancelled or postponed; charitable donations welcomed
CLIFTON – The novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic crisis has proven to be difficult for the Bosque Arts Center. Forcing the cancellation of several of this year’s premier programs along with the postponement of fundraisers and events, the building remains eerily quiet closed to visitors as the dedicated staff continues to work on upcoming events and daily business.
With Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pausing the reopening plan due to the dramatic surge of coronavirus cases, the Bosque Arts Center will remain closed to the public. In addition, the BAC has cancelled all summer camps, including Imagination Factory, Sewing Camp and Music Camp.
“Right now, the BAC is taking things a day at a time on event plans for 2020 until more information becomes available,” Program Director Deb Phinney said.
Although a tentative date for the postponed Marcia Ball Concert has been set for July 11, Ball’s advice this spring was “the better we hunker down now, the sooner we can get back to dancing.” Ticket for the concern went on sale June 22 for the Saturday concert at 7 p.m.
“As soon as the new date of the concert is confirmed, we will contact ticketholders,” Phinney said.”All will have the option of holding tickets for the new date or receiving a refund.”
The Linda Lucas Hardy Workshop date has been changed to Aug. 8-9. Participants will learn to create a stunning “Luminous, Lustrous Colored Pencil on Drafting Film” during the workshop held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Master colored pencil artist Hardy is well known for creating brilliant colored pencil paintings that radiate light, color and emotion in a way that speaks to the heart. A 20-year veteran of teaching and workshop instruction, Hardy has led workshops and classes for thousands of students aged eight to 88. For more information visit: https://www.bosqueartscenter.org/news.aspx?module=view&pid=1048
The 38th Annual Big Event, the BAC’s annual fundraiser, originally scheduled for April 4, remains tenatively rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15. The BAC looks forward to having their “Evening on Safari” on a sultry, warm August evening with raffle items, silent auction, and dinner and dancing. By dance the night away with music by Brian Barrett & Serengeti, it will be a great way to finally shake off the gloominess from these early spring months, so be sure to get your tickets.
Looking further ahead, the Gary P. Nunn Concert has been tentatively set for Sept. 5. Nunn has been “taking Texas to the Country” and Texas Country to the world for some 40 years, establishing himself as an icon of Lone Star music. The BAC had a June concert planned, but Nunn postponed his Round Mountain Revival Tour, because he’s “staying home with the armadillo.”
The Casino Night previously scheduled for April 25 was postponed until Sept. 26 with the gambling games rolling out at 7 p.m. Think Vegas Baby! Think sparkle, think lucky ladies, think dice, cards and roulette, think professional croupiers in uniform, think rows of slot machines, think endless evening entertainment.
And all that right around the corner. No flying to Vegas, or Reno, just a short drive to the Bosque Arts Center. The BAC is upping their BINGO evening and will have everything you need to come and play the casino games you enjoy as if you’re in Vegas, Ruidoso or at a Winstar Casino.
This special night of “gambling” is planned to raise monies in support of the Bosque Arts Center and all of its ongoing activities. For the price of your $50 admission, you will receive $50 worth of gambling chips, complimentary beer and wine, a selection of appetizers and authentic looking tables and trained dealers, provided by Elite Casino Events out of Ft. Worth.
At the Tin Building Theatre, the show must go on…eventually. It was a tough decision, but after much thought, the Tin Building Theatre board of directors voted to postpone the spring performance of Bad Medicine by Michael Tennant until the fall. Bad Medicine remains tenatively rescheduled for October, with performance dates Oct. 3, 4, 9 and 10.
The Eighth Annual Texas Troubadour Songwriter Classic will feature Bill Anderson will judge before performing at the event scheduled for Nov. 7. The Grand Ole Opry member who penned such hits as “Still,” “I Get the Fever,” “Wild Weekend,” and “City Lights” will pick the winner of the Song of the Year from digital submissions this summer, then judge and perform at the live singer/songwriter event.
“We are thrilled to announce the legendary Bill Anderson will serve as our distinguished judge for the 8th Annual Texas Troubadour Songwriter Classic this year,” Phinney said. As a singer/songwriter, Anderson has charted seven No. 1’s and 29 more top 10s. He has also written hits for such artists as Ray Price, Connie Smith, Lynn Anderson, Jim Reeves, Conway Twitty, Eddy Arnold, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, and George Strait.
Because the BAC had to cancel many of its events, more than ever, they need the financial support of their members to continue to operate the unique and exceptional art center in the community.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act recently signed into law has some provisions to positively influence charitable giving like, the Charitable Giving Tax Benefit and the Qualified Charitable Distribution.
The Charitable Giving Tax Benefit includes a $300 per individual above-the-line deduction for charitable giving, whether an individual itemizes or not. It also suspends recent limitations on charitable cash donations by individuals and allows for cash gifts to most public charities of up to 100 percent of adjusted gross income in 2020.
The Qualified Charitable Distribution provides for suspension of all Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts for 2020. You can still do a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from IRAS of up to $100,000 to a qualified charity in 2020. The direct distribution will not show up as taxable income to the individual. This general information is provided in the broadest terms and not meant to cover every situation.
With all financial decisions, it is advised to consult with a CPA or tax professional familiar with your particular situation.
Information regarding the cancellations and postponements can be found in the BAC newsletter at: https://www.bosqueartscenter.org/userfiles/file/_June_e-newsletter_2020.pdf. Please visit the Bosque Arts Center website at: https://www.bosqueartscenter.org/ or find the BAC on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BosqueArtsCenter/ for additional updates on rescheduled events.
Photos by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS & courtesy of the BOSQUE ARTS CENTER
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