Al Head, executive director of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, congratulated the Troy and Pike County communities on the vision, the planning and hard work that has turned a sow’s ear into a silk purse.

Not that the old Troy Post Office was exactly a sow’s ear. However, the building was in danger of being razed before visionaries had the idea of restoring it as a cultural arts center for the community.

“What a success story that is,” said Head, who was the guest speaker at the Tuesday meeting of the Troy Rotary Club.

“The Johnson Center for the Arts will be a real focal point of the community,” he said. “It has historical significance and architectural integrity and it will be a gathering place where people can come to enjoy a wide range of activities. The Johnson for the Arts will be a player in education, economic development, cultural tourism and an integral part of a larger plan.”

The larger plan includes a strong and vibrant educational component.

Head said that the creativity of students who are exposed to the arts will be stimulated and that translates into enhanced achievement in other subjects. It also provides an avenue for a lifetime of learning and enjoyment.

The grand opening of the Johnson Center for the Arts will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. The public is invited. The Center is located on East Walnut Street in downtown Troy.

Head also discussed the purpose and mission of the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

“Actually, what we do is administer the state grants program,” he said. “The state legislature allocates about $5 million for the grants program and we also receive state grants through the National Endowment for the Arts.”

In the most recent grant cycle, Head said grants have been awarded locally to the Troy Arts Council, the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center and the Brundidge Historical Society.

“The grants are matching grants and we like to think that a little money goes a long way,” he said.

Through volunteers and the private sector, the grant funds allocated by the state arts council are compounded and so are the benefits.

The state arts council is also involved in several special projects, including a Cultural Exchange Program to Italy. Much of the marble that is used in sculptures comes from Italy.

“Sylacauga is rich in marble deposits and we would like to see this beautiful white marble rejuvenated for sculptures,” Head said. “I have no illusions about Sylacauga marble having a huge economic impact but it can be used for something other than filler for paint and cosmetics.”

Head said Alabama will be featured at the 2010 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in Washington D.C.

“This will be an opportunity to show off our rich cultural traditions and our folk artists,” he said. “This will be a high profile event and we are extremely proud to be the featured state.”

Head said the state of Alabama and the towns and cities within are moving toward greater support for and appreciation of the arts. As they do, they are improving the quality of life for all citizens and building an environment that will promote business growth and success.

The grand opening of the Johnson Center for the Arts will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. The public is invited. The Center is located on East Walnut Street in downtown Troy.