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 2009.

Appetite for Art is a special program that features parties hosted by generous individuals and businesses. With prices ranging from $15 to $125 a person, partygoers can choose to attend a party according to their own interests and help raise money in support of the Arts Council.

"We have an outstanding group of parties catering to all tastes," says Connie Petrillo, chair of the Appetite for Art Committee. "We are most appreciative of The Fresh Market's willingness to host another Wine Gala on our behalf. Last year's gala was a huge success, and we are so fortunate to work with them again this year. Also, I'd like to thank the "four chefs of Pinehurst" -- Gerard Catapano, Harvey Kimsey, Gary Southard, and Jim Wiltjer -- for hosting an elaborate dinner party that will be sure to delight the taste buds of one and all."

Petrillo first used the award-winning "dine-around" concept as a fundraiser for the New Haven, Conn., symphony. In 1988, the concept was presented to the National Symphony Orchestra convention and won the best fundraising award for that year. From there, the idea spread to other states and has since then raised countless dollars in support of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations.

A couple of parties have already been held. Here is a list of the parties that are scheduled for April and beyond:

n "Taste of the Mediterranean" at the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room in Southern Pines Tuesday, April 28. Mingle with friends in a private, casual atmosphere for a night of sensory, Mediterranean delight. Partygoers will taste a wide assortment of different wines and complementary appetizers from France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. The party is hosted by Meridith Martens, Howard Schubert, and Robyn James, owner of the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room.

n "The Four Chefs of Pinehurst Present a Mediterranean Dinner" at the home of Jim Wiltjer Saturday, May 2. The "Four Chefs of Pinehurst" will prepare a four-course Mediterranean dinner featuring food and wine from Spain, Greece, and Italy.

n "Springtime Brunch on the Lake" at the home of Phyllis and Fred Young Sunday, May 3. Enjoy a bountiful brunch while gazing at a great view of Lake Auman in Seven Lakes.

n "Tennis 'n Tartes IV" at the Pinehurst Country Club Tennis Center Tuesday, May 5. The club pro and all those "tartes" from parties I, II, and III will be on hand to welcome tennis enthusiasts to a fun-filled day of playing in a Round Robin Tennis Tournament, followed by an elegant buffet luncheon on the patio of the Pinehurst Country Club.

n "Pontooning on Lake Auman" at Beacon Ridge Saturday, May 16. Back by popular demand, enjoy a lovely afternoon cruising along Lake Auman while enjoying wine, cheese, and fruit. This party is hosted by Dian Moore and Gail Puleo.

n "Lunch with Picasso" with a lecture at the Weymouth Center and lunch at Elliott's on Linden Thursday, May 21. Attend the Arts Council of Moore County and Weymouth Center's popular Fine Art Lecture Series, "Picasso: A Spanish Soul Among the French Avant-Garde," by guest lecturer, Dr. Molly Gwinn. After the lecture, proceed to Elliott's on Linden where to be treated to a Spanish-theme lunch. The party is hosted by Linda and Bill Hrabowecky.

n "Pinehurst Golf Lesson" Thursday, May 28. Sign up your foursome for a golf lesson by one of the top 100 teachers in America, Eric Alpenfels. Alpenfels is a Class A PGA of America professional and is involved in daily instruction with both amateur and professional golfers.

n "Lunch with the Bunco Bunch" at the home of Esther Sweeting Thursday, June 11. Hosts Carolyn Alli, Connie Petrillo, Ellie Ray, Myrna Spencer, and Esther Sweeting will be serving a light lunch followed by a fun afternoon of Bunco. Beginner players are welcome.

n "Midsummer Muses" at the Campbell House in Southern Pines Thursday, June 25. Join the staff of PineStraw -- Jim Dodson, Andie Rose, and Stephen Smith -- as they treat you to a midsummer evening of selected readings, exquisite music, and engaging performances. This is sure to be an evening of surprises illuminating the local arts. Hors d'oeuvres, libations, and extraordinary sweets will be provided.

n "Food, Fun & Fashions" at Phoenix Fashions in Seven Lakes Friday, Aug. 14. Get a sneak peak at early fall arrivals at Phoenix Fashions as models parade informally through the store showcasing dressy casual lines, Pumpkin Creeks Knits, and the latest in accessories. Enjoy a light fare buffet, receive store discounts, and become eligible to win exciting door prizes. This party is hosted by Susan and Darrell Marks, owners of Phoenix Fashions.

n "Pottery 101" at the home of Dian Moore Wednesdays, Aug. 19, Sept. 9, and Sept. 16. This is your chance to become a potter. Each participant will make two pieces of pottery, either on the wheel or by hand. The cost of the party includes instructions, materials, two firings, and a wine and cheese gala at the end for all to showcase their finished pieces.

n "The Fresh Market Wine Gala" at The Fresh Market of Southern Pines Tuesday, Sept. 22. Back by popular demand, The Fresh Market will close its doors for a special wine tasting gala. The wine will be accompanied by heavy hors d'oeuvres and a food-only table serving boneless prime rib and shrimp cocktail. Tasting notes will be available for the evening's sampled wines along with discount coupons for future visits.

n "Wine 101" at the home of Mary and John O'Malley Wednesday, Sept. 30. Enjoy a fun and informative evening of wine tasting and dinner on the deck overlooking a lovely pond just off the ninth tee at Pinehurst No. 7. The wine tasting will be presented by two local wine experts, Harvey Kimsey and Chuck Grantham.

n "Family Fun on the Farm" at the Winds Way Farm in Aberdeen Sunday, Oct. 11. Vickie and Andy Auman, Kim and Davis Clark, and Rebecca and Chris Dunn are planning fall fun for the whole family. Pumpkin carving, games, a hay ride, hot cider, hot chocolate, and pies are just some of the treats in store for the afternoon.

n "Fun with Fall Flowers" in the Campbell House Gardens Tuesday, Oct. 13. Aldena Frye of Aldena Frye Custom Floral Design presents outstanding arrangements using road-side materials, grocery store bouquets, and other creative tips for flower and plant arrangements. Hosted by Frye and Carol Van Zanten, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

n "Tea Time -- British Style" at the home of Jean Roe Wednesday, Oct.14. A variety of teas (hot or cold), afternoon wines, tea sandwiches, and finger desserts will be served by hosts Jean Roe, Jane George, and Connie Petrillo, either indoors or deck side, with a wonderful view of Talamore Golf Course.

n "Bewitched, Bothered and Bejeweled (Real and Fake) Black Tie Dinner" at the home of Lucille and Jim Buck in Pinehurst Friday, Oct. 30. Get out your tux and fancy gown and be ready for an absolutely elegant and fun dinner party as only the Bucks can throw!

n "Poker Fun" at the home of Myrna and Bob Spencer Friday, Nov. 6. Once again the Spencers open up their home to poker enthusiasts for an evening of card playing and friendly competition. The party is hosted by Myrna and Bob Spencer and Carolyn and Bob Alli.

As Moore County's leader in cultural planning and programming for over 36 years, the Arts Council provides arts programs and services for the enjoyment, enrichment, and education of Moore County residents of all ages.

The Arts Council's youth programs include the Young People's Fine Arts Festival, the annual visit of the Missoula Children's Theatre, which allows over 50 children to explore the magic of theater, and a summer theater camp which last year explored the making of "High School Musical."

Other programs include monthly art exhibits at the Campbell House Galleries in Southern Pines, the Fine Arts Festival in August, the Classical Concert Series at the Sunrise Theater, the popular ARTours program to near and far away art destinations, and other fun arts events, such as Art Anonymous, coming in June.

To make a reservation for one or more of the Appetite for Art 2009 parties or to host a party in 2010, contact the Arts Council of Moore County at 692-4356.