Congratulations to Stephanie Punches on her appointment to the Mississippi Arts Commission, the official grants making and service agency for the arts! With this representation on such a prestigious commission, Natchez has an even better opportunity to receive guidance and information for the arts in this community.

MAC’s Web site provides a wealth of information highlighting this very important commission and the potential for Natchez. In addition to providing grants, MAC fosters networks of local leaders, artists of all disciplines, arts volunteers and patrons.

Further, MAC consults on community arts development, performing, visual and literary arts, folk arts and arts education. MAC also provides training in arts management, arts education planning, arts facilities planning and community wide cultural planning and promotes broad-based public awareness of the importance of the arts in education. The Natchez Council for Arts & Culture founders and board members, Hedy Boelte, Jennifer Ogden, Ginny Benoist and Buzz Harper, wish Stephanie the very best. NCAC looks forward to working with Stephanie and appreciates her interest in NCAC projects, particularly the Margaret Martin School of Performing Arts auditorium which NCAC — along with the City (and encouragement of the Historic Natchez Foundation) — updated and enhanced in time for the Natchez Ballet Academy and the Natchez Festival of Music performances last spring. Stephanie’s appointment could not have come at a better time for this community. Interest and expectations are high, and her help is needed.

Ginny Benoist

Natchez Council for Arts & Culture