The Contemporaries formed modestly in 1969 as the CAC’s auxiliary, chartered to assist with fund-raising, volunteering for educational and artistic events and, well, doing just about everything. Mary Steele was its first president.
The Temple Daily Telegram reported in 1978: “Who brings poets to children, teaches art history in the schools, raises money to bring groups such as the Dance Theater of Harlem to Temple and slices 3,000 vegetables for receptions?”
The answer was then four decades ago as it still is now: The Contemporaries.
Now approaching its 40th anniversary next year, the Contemporaries’ art education projects are the heart and soul of the CAC. Marion Brakebill is this year’s president.
Early on, before the North Third Street facility was completed, the Contemporaries brought art and artists into the schools.
By 1975, members planned the first official gala fund-raiser, Tamasha. The first year the dinner and auction raised $7,250; within three years, the Contemporaries’ annual fete more than trebled in money and attendance.
Also in April 1975, members used some of those funds to pack up a donated blue van, dubbed “the Magic Blue Bus,” and to travel to schools with projects, arts and crafts materials, petting zoos and visiting artists. Within three years of its founding, the Contemporaries was 150-members strong, donating 15,000 volunteer hours annually.
By 1977, when the CAC new building opened, not even magic could make the Blue Bus’s engine problems disappear. The Contemporaries focused arts education at the new facility. The landmark Hands-On program initiated by Kay Bosse 32 years ago was launched as a pilot program.
The Hands-On program takes third and fourth graders on themed ‘trip” that fully utilizes the CAC’s studios, stage and galleries. The Contemporaries research and write the scripts and plan creative activities – from choreography to painting sets. They also teach and interact with the children, encouraging them to let their imaginations soar through the countries and cultures. Last year’s theme was China. This year, the children explored the mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Coordinating Hands-On this year is chairman Marlene Lastovica with committee members Joelle Bedwell, Marianne Stringfellow and Lajuana Carabasi.
Likewise, the Arts in Education program serves area kindergarten through eighth grade students with special presentations by everyone from artists to zoologists.
The Contemporaries are docents, guides and hostesses for the CAC’s four professional performances annually.
Fund-raisers range from blue-jean casual to tuxes: everything from the holiday Bow-tique to jump ahead on Santa shopping to “The Contemporaries Gala,” a formal affair with dinner, auction and live entertainment.
The Gala now nets more than 10 times what that first Tamasha raised, but the Contemporaries’ creative energy has increased a hundredfold. This year’s yearbook includes 131 active and associate members with 72 as active. Charter members who are still on the club’s roles are Raye Virginia Allen, Lajuana Carabasi, Linda Chupik, Shirley Gaines, Betty Prescott and Mary Steele.
