Wiley White’s excitement at being a part of something as “amazingly marvelous” as the Johnson Center for Arts cannot be contained. And, it’s contagious, as evidenced by the enthusiastic gathering at the JCA’s Season Membership and Kick-Off Party Thursday night at The Studio in downtown Troy.

White is the JCA exhibition coordinator and she shared her enthusiasm for the arts in Troy with those who attended the party featuring Troy’s own, Johnny Barron “Live at The Studio,” refreshments by Velma, the fellowship of friends and neighbors and the opportunity to experience the excitement of advancing the arts in Troy.

“This was the first membership drive for the JCA,” White said. “The memberships will enable the JCA to continuing offering the many free opportunities to the public. The JCA has many exciting exhibitions and events planned for this coming calendar season so we have to raise money to keep the doors open. The memberships go a long way in doing so.”

White said the JCA has exhibitions throughout the year that feature artists from the local area, Alabama artists and those from beyond the state’s borders.

“These exhibitions offer exposure to many different artists and mediums,” she said. “In addition to the exhibitions, the JCA hosts artists’ receptions and artists’ talks. During the year, we also have three student art shows. The JCA has galleries on both the upper and lower levels. Visitors from other towns and cities to the JCA often say they have nothing to compare with the JCA in their communities. We are very fortunate to have the JCA, which is a complete arts center. The JCA also has music, theater and dance events and is a venue for various civic, community and social events. The JCA is a complete arts center.”

But, White said offering many different arts events is more than sticking a nail in the wall.

“It takes a lot of work and we are blessed to have so many supporters of the arts on board,” she said. “It was exciting to see so many people at the membership kick-off party. And, equally exciting was the large number of young people there and having such a good time. “

White said the dream for an arts center began in 2000, and became a reality on September 14, 2008, with the grand opening of the Holman and Ethel Johnson Center for the Arts, which is now a destination for those who appreciate and support the arts.

“The JCA thanks all of our members who help make is possible for us to continue to bring the arts to the forefront and to offer so many arts opportunities for our community and far beyond,” White said. “We also thank those who visit the JCA to view the exhibits and to be a part of all the JCA has to offer.”

Those who are interested in JCA membership are encouraged to visit the arts center at 300 East Walnut Street or call 334-670-2287 for more information.