Consider supporting art museum, symphony in Myrtle Beach area

Donations to the annual drives by the Long Bay Symphony and the Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum help to keep music and art in the Myrtle Beach area.

In addition to donations, many people work behind the scenes to support the Symphony and the Art Museum with fundraisers.

The Long Bay Symphony Guild helps maintain the Long Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Long Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra. On January 17 from 1-4 p.m., the Guild is presenting Beau Tea, a buffet luncheon and celebration of Myrtle Beach, at Pawley’s Plantation in Pawley’s Island.

In addition to a silent auction, raffle, beauty and shopping arcades and other activities, Marilyn Keyser will present a “whimsical display” and program about beachwear of the past. Local historian, author and archeologist Susan Hoffer McMillan will share her perspective and stories of the history of Myrtle Beach.

The Beau Tea will feature music by a Long Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra Ensemble.

The menu includes a large display of fruits and chesses, a variety of savory tea sandwiches, home baked mini sweet scones with clotted cream, jams and jellies, an assortment of teas and more. Tickets are $40 per person. All proceeds will benefit the Long Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Long Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra. The Long Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra is comprised of over 50 students from area schools.

For tickets or more information about the Beau Tea, the Long Bay Symphony and its programs, or to make a donation, visit longbaysymphony.com or call 448-8379.

The mission of the Franklin G. Burroughs — Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is as follows: “The Art Museum is dedicated to being one of the finest visual arts museums in the Carolinas. We strive to engage our community and our visitors through unique exhibitions and interactive, educational and creative programs for people of all ages.”

The museum’s website offers information on its numerous events and fundraisers. It also states that “while a long-term endowment fund was started in 2007, the museum relies on individual memberships, grants, sponsorships, annual gifts and business donations to support our daily operations – gifts that allow the art museum to remain admission free and to be open six days a week, 52 weeks a year.”

A $100 donation provides two Honorable Mention awards at the museum’s annual Horry and Georgetown county high school juried art exhibition. A $250 donation provides traditional dancers for a free family day. A $500 donation brings a guest speaker for a free lecture.

A $1,000 donation provides new LED bulbs to illuminate the galleries. A $1,500 donation provides free KidsArt for 1,000 community children, and a $2,500 donation ensures an exhibition.

Donations to the Art Museum can be made online at www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org, by mail to the Art Museum at 3100 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, or by phone at 843-238-2510.

This story was originally published December 23, 2015 at 10:23 PM with the headline "Consider supporting art museum, symphony in Myrtle Beach area."