‘A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline’ raises $10,000 for arts council

By Michele Hester

There is a reason the Dawson County Arts Council invites the Springer Theatre back to perform again and again. Thursday’s “A Closer walk with Patsy Cline” performance by the award-winning theatre company raised $10,000 for the arts council, $2,000 above the council’s goal.

With close to 300 people in attendance, the spirit of Patsy Cline was alive at the Lakeview Center Feb. 23 as the songs of the late Patsy Cline rang through the event hall. “This was a very big event for us,” said Bowen Center for the Arts director Stacey Leonardt. “Everyone seemed to be having a great time.”

And the joy felt by the audience spread throughout the hall and into the art council’s silent auction, which included items donated by local businesses, community members and council volunteers. “Several of the items went for more than we expected,” said an overjoyed Leonardt. A duck stamp collection donated by Ducks Unlimited was the evening’s most sought after prize with bids topping $500. “The bid started at $200 and sold for $550,” she said. “It was a very successful night for us.”

While raising funds for the Dawson County Arts Council was important for the audience, the main attraction for the evening was the Springer Theatre’s Patsy Cline production. The Springer Theatre performed several songs by legendary Patsy Cline while documenting the rise of the singer who was the first cross-over singer to top both country and pop charts. Katie Deal of Gainesville portrayed Patsy and gave a remarkably believable performance which led to a standing ovation by the audience at the end of the show.

“What a great night,” said Leonardt, who attributes much of the show’s success to the art council’s dedicated members that volunteer their time to make these events so special. Leonardt said the arts council is always looking to increase its membership. For more information on the Dawson County Arts Council, call (706) 216-ARTS.