By Kevin Lee Associate Editor

Clarence David “Dave” McCann passed away on Wed., May 23, from a very aggressive brain cancer at age 59.

Despite recognition from the New York Metropolitan Art Museum at the beginning of his career, the Mobile native dedicated his life to enriching the visual arts throughout this region.

McCann began his career at the then-Fine Arts Museum of the South, now the Mobile Museum of Art. In 14 years he rose to the position of assistant director and chief curator before moving to the Office of Special Events as an assistant director, then retired from the city after a cumulative 25 years of service.

After retirement, McCann became president of the Mobile Art Association and co-chairman for the Art Advisory Committee and was also heavily involved with Gulf ArtSpace in Fairhope. He was recently named interim curator of the Centre for the Living Arts.

McCann worked as an adjunct professor at University of South Alabama, University of Cincinnati, Springhill College, Bishop State and Faulkner for the past 35 years.

Complicating the scenario, David’s wife, Robin, suffers from multiple sclerosis and David’s diligence to her was a highlight of their relationship.

Also compounding this most recent tragedy for the family, McCann’s father passed away a week later at 86 years old.

The family requested any donations be made to your favorite visual art organization and/or American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018 in honor of his name.

David’s situation was one of the most widely known but rarely published scenarios in the Mobile arts realm. The tumor was discovered within the last year and wasted little time claiming its victim. In testimony to the respect McCann earned, local arts journalists were wont to discuss the news for fear of transgressing the family’s obvious desire for privacy.

To say McCann will be missed is trite. The Mobile arts world was touched and shaped in indelible ways by his life and we are all the richer for his presence.

Shannon stepping down

Mobile Opera Principal Conductor/Artistic Director Jerome Shannon has agreed to leave the position at the conclusion of the 2007/2008 season. According to sources, this decision was reached after Shannon met with four Mobile Opera Board members on Thurs., May 31.

Per signed agreement with the board, Shannon’s services will be retained until March 22, 2008.

Attempts to reach Shannon were unfruitful and a representative of Mobile Opera said Shannon was out of town for the remainder of the month.

Shannon, a graduate of the College of Creative Arts of West Virginia University, filled the position of Principal Conductor since 1997 and has conducted close to 500 performances of opera, operetta, musical theatre, ballet and symphonic programs. He holds a similarly titled position for Pensacola Opera.

The Mobile Opera Web site describes Shannon as an OnSite Evaluator for the National Endowment of the Arts, a Government Affairs Representative for OPERA America, a member of the Mobile Arts Coalition, a member of the Executive Committee of Mobile United, a classroom volunteer for the Explorer Program and Junior Achievement and a graduate of the Leadership Mobile Class of 2000.

What: Art Partners on the Bay

When: Thurs., June 21, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Eastern Shore Art Center, 401 Oak St., Fairhope

Mixing pleasure with principle is an admirable goal and one for which we all secretly yearn. Now comes one more chance to reach that mark.

VSA arts of Alabama, an organization dedicated to providing arts opportunities for the disabled hosts an event to benefit ArtPartners, a program providing similar chances to children and adults with chronic diseases and disabilities in educational, community and healthcare settings.

The evening showcase features a silent and live auction of art works created via collaboration of artists and disabled people in the Mobile and Baldwin Counties. There will be music, food and wine.

The main event begins at 7 p.m. and costs $15 per attendee. The showcase is preceded by a preview party where attendees can meet artists and purchase their work. Admission for the preview party is $25 and includes admission to the main event.

For further info, call 205-212-7042 (Julie Wall, director of operations) or go to www.vsartsalabama.org. For tickets, call 251-928-2228.

Kevin Lee is Lagniappe associate editor. Contact him at klee@lagniappemobile.com.

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