You might think any organization with the word "arts" in its title, that needed money, would arrange a fundraiser with ballet, sculpture or opera. You know, the kind of stuff that Times critics John Fleming and Lennie Bennett cover on their Critics Circle blog.

Not the folks at Gulfport Arts Center, a new non-profit dedicated to promoting the arts in that beautiful community. They're going the dreck route in a fun way, which is right up my alley.

On Aug. 7-9, the GAC will host screenings of three vintage (i.e. no gore) horror flicks at Scout Hall, 5315 28th Ave. S. Admission is $5.00 to each film; tickets available at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (show times at 8), and 12:30 p.m. for Sunday's 2 p.m. screening.

Friday's offering is Tormented, a ghost story with a Hitchcockian twist. Never saw it, I don't think. But I dig Saturday's movie, She Gods of Shark Reef, a Roger Corman masterpiece piece of junk. Sunday's movie is an oldie but baddie, The Screaming Skull.

I'm digging this part of the news release: "In addition to popcorn and beverages, Smokin' Joe will be cooking up his delicious smoked salmon and pulled pork."