By AJ Panian
July 22, 2023
KITTANNING, Pa. – Armstrong County artists will now and support and representation after a group of creatives led the formation of the Armstrong County Arts Council. The Armstrong County Arts Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the arts in Armstrong County, supporting local creatives, and enriching the lives of residents through arts and culture events, community collaborations, and art-based initiatives. Beginning as an initiative through Experience Armstrong, Inc., the Armstrong County Arts Council is positioned to bring arts and culture to the forefront of the county’s economy.
“What started out as a way to identify the needs of the creative community and the economic opportunities in Armstrong County quickly became something so much bigger than we expected,” said Cheyenne Filous, former Director of Experience Armstrong, Inc. “Within a few months, we went from a spark of an idea to a robust group of community volunteers who recognized the value of an arts and culture presence in our rural region.”
While the organization officially formed in May, the board members and volunteers have been hard at work identifying ways to connect artists with upcoming events and other opportunities this summer and fall, from community mural projects and art exhibits to quilt shows and dedication ceremonies.
“Over the years, I have crossed paths with many talented, creative people within the communities of Armstrong County,” says Donna Weckerly, Founder and Executive Director of Armstrong County Arts Council.
“By building up our base of creativity, both our local businesses and our tourism industry can benefit, as proven by many other surrounding counties and states. There is an art initiative blooming, and I am thrilled to be a part of this movement.”
If you are an artist in the area, the organization is requesting that you submit your information for its Artist Directory.
For more information, contact: Donna Weckerly, Executive Director — armstrongcountyartscouncil@gmail.com — 724-664-3976
Meeting is a success
On July 11, more than 30 artists, community leaders, and local business owners, met at My Mystic Beauty in Ford City, to discuss plans to promote art and culture throughout Armstrong County.
Artists shared their ideas for community art exhibits, events that foster art education, collaborating with local businesses for window displays, and getting their art purchased. Ideas included a sidewalk chalk art day, pop-up galleries in storefront windows, and poetry readings. Artists in attendance included a published author, photographers, graphic designers, stained glass artisans, a puppeteer, performing artists, a barista, painters, muralists, and more. Monthly meetings are planned for this art initiative group.
About Armstrong County Arts Council
Armstrong County Arts Council (ACAC) is a nonprofit organization based in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Established in 2023, ACAC was formed by a community of creatives to advance the arts in Armstrong County, support local creatives, and enrich the lives of residents through arts and culture events, community collaborations, and art-based initiatives. For more information, please visit Armstrong County Arts Council on Facebook.