BY PAULA

MONTGOMERY

Special to The Pilot

It's out and about - the 2012 Appetite for Art schedule of social events is ready for perusal and participation.

The Appetite for Art program features parties and other events hosted by generous Arts Council patrons throughout the community.

With prices ranging from $15 to $100 a person, partygoers can choose to attend an event according to their own interests and help raise money in support of the Arts Council.

"We are so grateful to everyone in the community who supports this fundraising effort for the arts," says Connie Petrillo, chair of the Appetite for Art Committee. "I would especially like to thank Sue and Gary Southard for hosting a dinner before the Branford Marsalis concert during the Palustris Festival, and Lucille and Jim Buck for hosting a Black Tie Is for the Birds party in late March.

"These soirees have already sold out, and you just never know when the early birds are going to fill up an event. So it pays to sign up now for your favorite party."

The Appetite for Art season began Jan. 22 with a preview of events to come, hosted by the Appetite for Art Committee. Here's a list of the parties that are being offered in 2012:

February Parties

"The Perfect Jazz Duo" is at the home of Jean Peters on Feb. 10. This jazzy evening will start with a country lamb stew and fine side dishes paired with wines from Hanover Park Winery, of Yadkinville, and olive oils and vinegars from Green Gate Olive Oils of Pinehurst.

"As you leave to attend the Annie Sellick and Pat Bergeson jazz concert at the Pinehurst Resort, you will receive a parting gift of a free wine tasting at Hanover Park and a gift certificate from Green Gate Olive Oils," says a spokesman.

"Dinner and Jazz with Heart 'n' Soul" will be at the home of Jean Peters on Feb. 11. The evening will begin with a perfect blend of wines from Laurel Grey, of Hamptonville, followed by a special lamb roast and fine side dishes flavored with a variety of oils and vinegars from Green Gate Olive Oils.

"As you leave to attend the Brian Newman jazz concert at the Pinehurst Resort, you will receive a parting gift of a free wine tasting at Laurel Grey and a gift certificate from Green Gate Olive Oils," says the spokesman.

March Events

There will be "Poker Fun" at the home of Myrna and Bob Spencer on March 2. Players of all levels will enjoy this social evening of great refreshments and fun. Prizes will be awarded to the winners at each table.

A "Pinehurst Golf Clinic" will be held at the Pinehurst Country Club on March 29. Sign up for a 1? hour group golf lesson with Eric Alpenfels, director of golf instruction at the Pinehurst Golf Academy.

Alpenfels has been part of the Pinehurst family since 1985. He is a Class A PGA professional and is involved in daily instruction with both amateur and professional golfers.

His expertise has earned him recognition from Golf Magazine as one of the "top 100 teachers in America" and from Golf Digest as one of "America's 50 greatest teachers." The clinic is limited to 12 players.

May Parties

"Munch with the Bunco Bunch" at the home of Esther Sweeting on May 10. Become part of the "Bunco Bunch' with a party that is always lots of fun. Beginner players are welcome, and light refreshments and lots of laughs will be on tap for all.

"Tennis 'n' Tartes VII" is at the Pinehurst Country Club Tennis Center on May 15. This party is a perennial sellout. Be part of a fun-filled day playing in a 2? hour round-robin tennis tournament, followed by an elegant luncheon buffet on the club's patio. Up for grabs are tournament prizes and door prizes. All levels of players and those who just want to do lunch are welcome.

"Come see the 'Tartes' serve pastries and enjoy a fashion show and entertainment by the local tennis pros," says the spokesman.

"Find Your Beautiful Skin" at the home of Dian Moore on May 16. This informative talk and demonstration on skin-care and makeup techniques will be led by a professional from Lancome cosmetics.

One lucky person will be selected to receive a complete makeover while the makeup artist demonstrates the techniques.

All guests will receive a bag of samples from Lancome. Lunch will be served following the makeup session.

Other Parties

There is "An Evening with Jim Dodson" at the Campbell House on June 5. Join the award-winning, best-selling author in a conversation about his recently published book, "American Triumvirate: How Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson Created the Modern Age of Golf."

Andie Rose and Darlene Stark will be on hand to serve refreshments.

"The Fresh Market Wine Gala" will be held at The Fresh Market of Southern Pines on Sept. 25. 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.

With the theme "1940s: The Big Band Era," pieces of a big band orchestra will be playing all those great 1940s songs throughout the night.

"Flowers by Chagall" will be presented at the Campbell House on Oct. 7. Vivian Jacobson will lecture on Marc Chagall's passion for nature and how his interpretation of these wonders are consistently found in every form of his magnificent creations. Hosts Judy Allen, Cos Barnes, Joan Fish, Katherine MacRae, Gwen Murray and Joyce White will serve refreshments.

"Bluegrass and BBQ" will take place at the home of Esther Sweeting on Oct. 13. Enjoy a fall afternoon on the grounds of a lovely Pinehurst home, accompanied by bluegrass music by Moore County's own South Ridge Bluegrass Band. The Pik N Pig, of Carthage, will cater the barbecue.

"Tablescapes for Fall with Aldena Frye" will be held at the Aldena Frye Custom Floral Design Center on Nov. 6.

Aldena Frye has been a professional floral designer for more than 13 years and a business owner for the past six. Frye will present ideas for table settings and decorations using both fresh and silk plant and flowers. Everything that Frye makes will be for sale. Light hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be served.

Begin the holiday spirit at the Campbell House on Dec. 12, at 12 after 5 for a special evening of the 12s: 12 serving tables with food from 12 local establishments to entice your appetite for the "On the 12th Day of Christmas" event. Enjoy holiday music to dine by, and 12 elves will be on hand to serve you.

Yes, the 12 days of Christmas begin here, and with the luck of the "partridge in a pear tree," you just might find "five golden rings." You have to sign up to solve the "gold rings" mystery.

As Moore County's leader in cultural planning and programming, 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 more than 50 children to explore the magic of theater, and a summer theater camp.

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, and the popular ARTours program to near and faraway art destinations.

To make a reservation for one or more of the Appetite for Art 2012 parties or to host a party in 2012 or 2013, contact the Arts Council of Moore County at (910) 692-2787.