Through the Mary Anne and Lee Anne Endowment for the Arts, their memory lives on, carrying forward the impact they had on the world around them. Their dedication to music and the arts, even in the face of limited resources, continues to inspire and ignite creativity in others. This endowment ensures that their legacy remains a guiding light, empowering future generations to explore their artistic passions and make their own meaningful contributions to the community. The light of Mary Anne and Lee Anne will forever shine, a testament to their unwavering belief in the power of the arts to connect, inspire, and uplift.
Mission
The Mary Anne and Lee Anne Endowment for the Arts (MALA) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant arts community in Granville and the surrounding counties. As a charitable endowment, we are committed to providing long-term financial support to enhance arts access and engagement. Each year, we distribute grants to organizations that share our passion for the arts, ensuring that artistic endeavors continue to flourish. Our mission is to bridge the gap between artists and the community, promoting cultural enrichment and education. By investing in the arts, we aim to inspire creativity and appreciation for the arts across all demographics. Join us in our journey to cultivate a thriving and inclusive arts landscape for future generations.
Empowering Arts for Future Generations
The Mary Anne and Lee Anne Endowment for the Arts was established in loving memory of two dedicated musicians who spent much of their lives in rural communities with limited access to musical resources and opportunities. Despite these challenges, both Mary Anne and Lee Anne remained passionate about the transformative power of music and the arts. This endowment honors their legacy by supporting and enriching the arts in Granville County and the surrounding areas, ensuring that future generations have the access and resources to explore their artistic passions, just as Mary Anne and Lee Anne did throughout their lives.
The proceeds from the Mary Anne and Lee Anne Endowment for the Arts will be used annually to award grants to individuals and organizations dedicated to expanding access to the arts. These grants are intended to support a wide range of artistic endeavors, from music programs to visual arts, ensuring that communities in Granville County and the surrounding areas have the resources they need to engage with and foster creativity. By investing in local talent and organizations, this endowment will help continue Mary Anne and Lee Anne’s mission to make the arts more accessible to all, particularly those in rural areas who may otherwise have limited opportunities to experience or participate in the arts.
Mary Anne and Lee Anne in front of Mary Anne's piano with Mary Anne's husband, Paul, Paul Jr. and his wife, Mara and their first child.
Lee Anne with her husband, Drew, and her brother, Paul, and his children.
Mary Anne on a family vacation with her husband, Paul and their children Paul Jr. and Lee Anne.
Lee Anne with her husband, Drew and their two children.
Mary Anne with Paul Jr. and Lee Anne as kids.
Lee Anne with her two fantastic kids!
Mary Anne with Paul Jr. and Lee Anne.
"I can tell you that she (Lee Anne) was a selfless champion of the arts, especially in the lives of children. She truly wanted the lives of others to be touched as hers had been. She gave all of herself-not only talent, but time, heart and laughter-a supporter of location artists and the art they created. Lee Anne was introduced to the Arts by her Mother, Mary Anne, who both encouraged, supported, and inspired so many, Their impact continues to be felt-true servant hearts and the Arts community the ultimate benefactor."
"None of us had met her more than probably once once and anytime we met her after she greeted us with the biggest hug, like we were long lost friends and family. She was so friendly and outgoing that you couldn't help to love her immediately."
"Lee Anne inherited her mother's love of music and the arts, expanding the scope of her involvement not just to music, but to the theatrical arts as well. Lee Anne was in her first play in Clinton, NC as a child and was deeply involved in the Granville Little Theatre. She auditioned for most of the plays and encouraged and nurtured others to find joy in the arts."
