The Earl Smith Strand Theatre and Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art are teaming up for their first joint fundraiser, the 2011 Designer Show House planned for March 12-27, 2011, which will benefit both sites.

The Strand and MCMA are seeking interior designers for the house. The proposed site for the show house is 21 Whitlock Dr. in Marietta in Walnut Grove Subdivision. On Sept. 11, interior designers who have expressed interest in the project will be invited to the house to pick a room to decorate.

"Sally Macaulay and I have wanted to do a fundraiser together for years," said Earl Reece, executive director of the Strand. "When Linda Flournoy had this idea, we didn't hesitate to say 'yes.' Linda is a major supporter of both organizations, and this had been a dream of hers for many years. After our first meeting, I was confident this would be a great event for our community."

Longtime Marietta resident Mark Kirk, who grew up two blocks from the Strand, owns the proposed show house. "I lived in Marietta all my life. I've been going to The Strand Theatre since I was 7 or 8 years old. I remember when the Art Museum was the post office and then the library. I've got a warm place in my heart for the city of Marietta," Kirk said.

The joint effort between the Strand and MCMA will provide an avenue of support for Marietta and its arts community. "It is no secret that Marietta has become a cultural destination. Very few cities in the state of Georgia have the number of museums, theaters, restaurants and things to do that the city of Marietta has," Reece said.

"Designer show houses have been great fundraisers for quite a number of arts organizations in our state. This project will blend the skills of a large number of artists from designers to visual artists to members and supporters of the Marietta arts community," he said.

"We are in the initial planning stages for this event, and I can already tell that it is going to a plus for our city. When you sit in a meeting with (Flournoy) and (Macaulay) you cannot help but be excited and enthusiastic," Reece said.

A preview party is also planned at the Lawrence House, the original home on the property, on March 11. On March 9, a designer's reception is planned at the show house. A gift shop, art shop featuring local artists and tearoom are also planned at the Lawrence House.

Interested designers can contact Kathy Kuruc at

kkuruc @comcast.net or (770) 842-6867. For more information on the museum, visit www.mariettacobb artmuseum. org or call (770) 528-1444. For more information on the Strand, visit www.earlsmithstrand.org or call (770) 293-0080.