HOLLY SPRINGS - The organizers of the Holly Springs Arts Council know something about perspective - what looks like an ending can be made into a fresh start.

For 13 years, Holly Springs had an arts council, but when a key member departed for the West Coast a year ago, the council disbanded.

Now, three area artists are trying to resurrect the organization, which promotes art and local artists.

Brenda Priest and graphic designer Kim Bolick of Holly Springs have established a website and held an informational meeting about the new council. Bob Crowley, president of the Apex Arts Council, is advising the group.

"We'd be foolish not to jump on this opportunity," said Priest, a pen and ink illustrator. "Holly Springs is a growing community."

The construction of Rex Healthcare of Holly Springs is a prime example, Priest said. The hospital's walls will serve as a gallery for Holly Springs artists when it opens later this year.

The council has brokered a deal for local artists to sell their work to the hospital with 75 percent of the sale price going to the artist and 25 percent to the council.

Although she has told the town government about her plans and received a "phenomenal" response, Priest said the council will not be seeking any town funds. Instead the council will be funded by member dues, fundraisers and government grants. The Holly Springs council is seeking nonprofit status of its own, but until it is secured, the Apex Arts Council will hold any funds raised by the group.

The council is looking for artists of all types to sign up. It will use the broadest possible definition of "artist," Priest said. She encourages visual artists, writers, dancers, theater and film people, photographers, musicians and even cooks to join.

"We're all in this together, and we're encouraging Holly Springs to come out and show us what your talent is," Priest said.

The council will help the town's artists fit into a patchwork of artists across the county, state and even nation, said Crowley, an actor and author who has recently published a novel titled "The Wanderer of New Hope."

Crowley will be onboard for the next year, offering any support the Holly Springs council needs to become self-sufficient.