History and Vision of the Arts Council
Since its founding in 1975, the Council has served our county primarily as an arts presenter, bringing many acclaimed artists to our community and schools, including the Chuck Davis African-American Dance Ensemble, National Shakespeare Company, and Vega String Quartet.
We have produced a wide variety of workshops, lectures, and visual arts exhibits, and created the Artists-in-the-Schools program that helps students discover and develop their inner artists. We also help other nonprofits produce arts programs through our ARTReach Grant Program.
In recent years the number of local arts presenters has grown, so we've begun investing more of our energy and resources into our ARTReach and Artists-in-the-Schools programs. Two Council initiatives in development are a user-friendly countywide arts calendar, and our Rocktober Bash on Franklin Town Square October 11. We're excited about moving into our next half century. Stay tuned for more 50th year celebration news!
We couldn't be more proud of our 50-year history!
Our Board of Directors
Arts Council Board of Directors, 2025
Michael Contino, Chair
Nate Anderson, Treasurer
Bobbie Contino, Secretary
Betsey Gooder, Susan Kent, Laura Lansford, Michael Lanzilotta, Josh Lynch, Emily Higdon, and Dave Stewart
The Arts Council is accepting nominations to our Board of Directors. As we move into our second century, we invite committed, arts-minded people to bring their ideas and voices to our table. The Board meets quarterly (March, June, Sept., and Dec. second Saturdays, 10:44 a.m.); directors participate in Council planning and activities, and advocate for the Council and the arts. 50th year initiatives include expanding our ARTReach and ARTists-in-the-Schools Programs and holding a gala ROCKtober celebration. To nominate someone (yourself?) or for information, contact Board Chair Michael Contino, phone 828-508-1943, email miklorcon@yahoo.com. It's a banner year for the Arts Council; come be part of it!
(We always invite your comments and ideas, whether on or off our Board.)