It's party time again! The Appetite for Art brochures are in the mail, and the Arts Council of Moore County requests the pleasure of your company at one or more exciting parties that are on the docket for 2008.

"We are very pleased with the enthusiastic response to the Appetite for Art initiative," says Connie Petrillo, chair of the Appetite for Art Committee.

"We have a lot of different events planned this year because new individuals and businesses wanted to be part of the fun and lend their support to the arts in Moore County. I'd like to thank Bob and Myrna Spencer for once again hosting a Poker Party in late February, which played to a full house."

Petrillo goes on to say that she is especially excited about The Fresh Market Wine Gala to be held Tuesday, Sept. 23, at the gourmet market's establishment in Southern Pines.

"The Fresh Market will close its doors for one night for a special wine tasting gala with heavy hors d'oeuvres, boneless prime rib, and shrimp cocktail," says Petrillo.

"This is an incredibly generous contribution from The Fresh Market, and we truly appreciate their willingness to host the gala. The cost is $25 per person and discount coupons will be available that evening for future visits to the unique market."

The Appetite for Art program offers many great opportunities to meet new people in a variety of settings and to learn more about the programs that the Arts Council brings to the community.

Here is a list of the parties that are scheduled for 2008:

n "We'll Take Manhattan -- A New York Focus" at the home of Lucille and Jim Buck Friday, April 18. This elegant party will feature Manhattans (of course), Cosmopolitans, or a bit of the bubbly and hors d'oeuvres, catered by Laurie Rich, featuring all of the ethnic delicacies that the Big Apple has to offer. Enjoy the fine cuisine while listening to some of the best jazz music to rival late Broadway. Attire: New York Glitz, preferably black tie and a sparkly black dress. Cost: $50 per person.

n "Tennis'n Tartes III" at the Pinehurst Country Club's Tennis Center in Pinehurst Monday, April 28. All those "tartes" from parties I and II will be on hand to welcome visitors for yet another fun-filled day of playing tennis in a Round Robin Tournament, an elegant buffet luncheon, a drawing for great door prizes, a fashion show, and a few other surprises. Those who don't want to serve and volley, can come just for lunch and a round of typical girl fun. Cost: $25 per person.

n "Pinehurst Golf Lesson and Lunch" at the Pinehurst Country Club Thursday, May 8. Eric Alpenfels, director of Golf Course Instruction at the Pinehurst Golf Academy, and his teaching team will provide an afternoon of golf lessons. Lunch will be served at the Donald Ross Grill. Alpenfels has been part of the Pinehurst family since 1985. His expertise and professionalism have earned him recognition from Golf Magazine as one of the "Top 100 Teachers in America" and Golf Digest as one of "America's 50 Greatest Teachers." Cost: $150 per person, limited to eight guests.

n "Spring Fever Fashion Show" in the courtyard of the Jefferson Inn Wednesday, May 14, hosted by Framer's Cottage, Morgan Miller, and the Jefferson Inn. Enjoy the warmth of an afternoon in the Jefferson Inn's terraced courtyard while Morgan Miller and Framer's Cottage wow you with their new spring collection of fashions and designer jewelry. Refreshments and pastries by Chef Shawn Singer of One Fifty West will be served. Cost: $15 per person.

n "Cruising Lake Auman II" on the Lake Auman Marina at Beacon Ridge, hosted by Gail Puleo and Dian Moore Sunday, May 18, back by popular demand. Partygoers are invited to enjoy an afternoon cruising along Lake Auman. Assorted wines and hors d'oeuvres will be served from the galley. Cost: $25 per person.

n "Afternoon Delight in the Parlor" at Campbell House in Southern Pines, hosted by friends of the Arts Council Sunday, June 29. The storied setting of the Campbell House provides the backdrop for some of life's simple pleasures -- strawberries, chocolate, Mozart, and art. This party will give local art enthusiasts another opportunity to view the fabulous June exhibit of pottery by Ben Owen III and paintings by Fay Terry. Cost: $15 per person.

n "A Peek Into Fall Fashions" at H. Edwards & Co. in Pinehurst Friday, Aug. 22. Models will showcase the early fall arrivals at H. Edward & Co. to include sportswear, dresses, evening wear, accessories, handmade bags, hand-knit sweaters, and handmade jewelry. Hostess Helen Edwards will be serving wine, cheese, and hors d'oeuvres in her elegant Camellia Park Shoppe. Cost: $20 per person.

n "Tea Time -- British Style" at the home of Jean Roe Wednesday, Sept. 10. Guests are invited to an afternoon of socializing while hosts Jean Roe, Jane George, Connie Petrillo, and Gail Puleo serve a variety of teas (hot or cold), afternoon wines, tea sandwiches, and finger desserts that would rival any provider of a "proper British tea." Cost: $20 per person.

n "Come to the Cabaret at Weymouth" Friday, Oct. 10. Life truly is a cabaret in the historic setting of Weymouth Center, where guests will be invited to join friends, or make new ones, and to enjoy dinner, an open bar, and some special entertainment. Hosted by friends of the Arts Council, a table will be reserved in your name for $50 per person.

n "Red, White & Blue Buffet and the Capitol Steps" Sunday, Oct. 19. Those wacky performers from the nation's capital will once again bring their political satire to the auditorium at Pinecrest High School. Their material is funny, insightful and timely, and they always have something special to say about the "locals" in the host town. The cost of this party is $45, which includes a ticket to see the Capitol Steps followed by dinner at the home of Linda and David Seiberling.

n "Family Fun on the Farm" at the Winds Way Farm in Aberdeen Sunday, Oct. 26. Hosted by Vickie and Andy Auman, Kim and Davis Clark, and Rebecca and Chris Dunn, this party provides fall fun for the whole family. Pumpkin carving, games, a hay ride, hot cider, hot chocolate, and autumn-inspired pies are just some of the special treats that await visitors to the Winds Way Farm. Kids and adults are welcome to don their Halloween costumes and be prepared for a fun fall afternoon. Cost: $35 per family.

n "Girls Night Out" at the home of Pat Clark Thursday, Nov. 6. Pat Clark and Patti Malloy will be serving up a casual dinner, drinks, games, and lots of laughter just for the girls. This party is two days after the presidential election, so come and celebrate or commiserate your party's victory or defeat. Cost: $25 per person.

The proceeds from Appetite for Art benefit the Arts Council of Moore County, whose mission is to support, promote, and develop the arts and arts education throughout Moore County.

In addition to operating the Campbell House Galleries, the Arts Council offers an extensive series of art programs for children and young adults, including a summer theater camp; manages the Classical Concert Series; brings

world-class jazz performers to town for the Heart & Soul of Jazz event at the Carolina Hotel; awards grant funds to Moore County organizations and schools for art-related projects; provides scholarship funding to county middle and high school students enrolled in art-related programs; and offers first-class trips to take people to special art venues throughout the world.

To make a reservation for one or more of the Appetite for Art 2008 parties, contact the Arts Council of Moore County at 692-4356.