West Plains Council on the Arts “Lunch with Art” ~ Dulcimers

West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA) will host their quarterly “Lunch with Art” event for the public on Monday, May 8, 2023, from noon till 1 p.m. in the Community Room at the West Plains Public Library, 750 West Broadway, West Plains. Information on upcoming arts activities will be discussed, then Cleo Cockrum and her daughter Naomi Saunders will share their experience learning to play the mountain dulcimer and give a short demonstration along with WPCA President Kathleen Morrissey.

Cockrum bought her first dulcimer in Ohio in the 90s because her young daughter, Naomi, was introduced to it and learned to play a song at a festival booth. They played together for several years.

Dulcimer playing had taken a back seat for other life ventures, but now they have started again, including Naomi’s daughter, Kay. “Now we have 3 generations that sit around and have fun with our at-home jam sessions. The other grand kids (as young as 4) enjoy strumming along with us,” says Cleo.

The luncheon program will also introduce the upcoming dulcimer workshops to be held during the Old-Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival June 2 and 3. Entry-level instruments will be available for use by the first 25 individuals who register for each session. Details for the workshops will soon be posted to the Festival Facebook page and on the website www.oldtimemusic.org   Beginning and advance workshops should provide a lot of joyful dulcimer music!

WPCA board members will open the luncheon with discussions on current plans, programs available through Arts Alliance partners, and invite discussion regarding future arts endeavors for the area. Here’s an opportunity to open conversations with current board members and contribute to the future of the arts in West Plains.

Lunch will be catered by Sole Café at the Grizzly Lofts. Cost of the luncheon is $10 for WPCA members, $15 for non-members. Reservations may be made online through the May 2023 Lunch with Art Facebook event page, by calling Paula at 417-293-2325, or via email info@westplainsarts.org   Attendance is limited, so reserve your spot early.