The Columbus Arts Council will institute a new initiative Thursday during the opening reception for its July exhibit. In conjunction with the celebration of the Fourth of July, the CAC will name an individual in the community as a Great American. The inaugural honoree is Robert “Uncle Bunky” Williams.
“We’re part of a community, and we want to recognize some of the people who have contributed much to that community,” said Tina Sweeten-Lunsford, executive director of the arts council.
While celebrities and politicians often fill headlines, there are others working at local levels to improve the neighborhoods and cities they live in. “Uncle Bunky” is certainly one of them, noted CAC program manager Beverly Norris.
Williams, diagnosed with cancer, has chosen not to pursue treatment. While his health may prevent him from attending Thursday, well-wishers are invited to write him a message, draw him a picture or offer a video greeting at the arts council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St. between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday. A free reception at that time opens an exhibit of paintings by Clarksdale native Bradley Gordon.
Williams is well-known for the “crazy animals” he began sketching as the host of “Fun Time with Uncle Bunky,” a children’s show that originated in 1958 on WCBI-TV: It ran for almost 20 years there and later on other outlets. He also worked with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department for many years, often as an investigator working with abused and neglected children. He hopes to establish a foundation to help abused children.
“Uncle Bunky is usually the one doing the drawings. Well, this is a chance for us to do something for him, something he can have at home and enjoy,” said Norris. “Even if he’s unable to be with us Thursday, we want to honor him and his wife, Mrs. Joyce, who is an important part of that team.”
Messages and drawings will be compiled by the arts council in a scrapbook for Williams. Paper and markers will be provided. A station for recording video messages will also be set up.
Courtesy of Party and Paper, a selection of Uncle Bunky art will be for sale during the reception. All proceeds go to the Williams family. Following the event, any remaining works will return to Party and Paper, where they will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact the CAC, 662-328-2787.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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