Leader-Times | AJ Panian | February 27, 2024
The Armstrong County Arts Council (ACAC) currently spearheads large initiatives to promote art, such as the ACMH Hospital’s public art installation, “Art of Healing”, and local grand events to gather our communities together in celebration of the arts (like the ballet last November at Armstrong High School).
There also exists a parallel path for spontaneous grassroots art movements to flourish.
This complementary journey is one of personal connection, intimate gatherings, and the nurturing of local talent, where the essence of our community’s spirit is deeply rooted.
ACAC, working to enrich our county’s cultural landscape, focuses on securing funding, sponsorships, and partnerships necessary for ambitious projects that elevate the arts on a grand scale.
ACACs work is invaluable, laying the groundwork for a community where the arts are accessible, celebrated, and integral to Armstrong County’s identity.
The beauty of art, however, lies in its ability to resonate on a personal level, to reflect the myriad voices and experiences of its creators and audience alike.
At the onset of organizing this nonprofit in early 2023, a committee was created to capture the names and genres of artists living and working right here within our local communities.
Within days the directory included muralists, a puppeteer, novelists, thespians, seamstresses, abstract painters, potters, poets, musicians, Jber artists, photographers, graphic designers, dancers, and much more.
It became quite evident that our county hosted brilliantly talented people from all walks of life, at every income level, and from every corner of Armstrong County.
The resounding theme was these artists wanted to be seen, heard, and appreciated. This is the call to action for our entire county.
Seize the initiative.
Form small, local art groups that serve as the lifeblood of Armstrong County’s cultural heartbeat.
Our groups, be they focused on painting, photography, music, sculpture, or any medium that speaks to the soul, offer a platform for artists at every level to share, learn, and grow.
They foster an environment where creativity is nurtured, skills are honed, and friendships are formed — where the love of art binds individuals together, creating a network of support and inspiration.
Imagine the potential of these small communities, each a microcosm of creativity, contributing to the rich mosaic of Armstrong County’s cultural heritage. From intimate art shows in local businesses to workshops and classes held in neighborhood spaces, these groups can invigorate the local art scene with fresh energy and perspectives.
They embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation, keeping the flame of local artistry alive and vibrant.
The Vandergrift Artfest is a glowing example of a local organization recognizing the importance of celebrating art in their community.
Several new businesses in Kittanning, featuring local artisans, are introducing the power of art to elevate one’s home or office decor and to provide a welcoming space for creative people to gather for workshops and meetings.
Local coffee shops are welcoming artists (young and old) to display their artwork for sale.
Countless art and craft workshops are advertised on social media daily offering an afternoon or evening of learning, socializing, and appreciating art in various forms like knitting, card-making, watercolor painting, collaging, stained glass, photography classes, sketching, and so much more.
Our public libraries are offering a variety of art and craft activities for the entire family.
Local event venues are providing invigorating performances by local musicians.
Opportunities to immerse oneself in art is readily available.
Join in and you will find joy, enhance skills, and maybe make new friends.
The symbiotic relationship between the Armstrong County Arts Council and these grassroots art communities is pivotal.
While the Council focuses on the broader canvas, bringing to life projects that require extensive resources and reach, local art groups can thrive in the spaces in between, offering a more personalized touch to the art experience within our community.
This partnership, in essence, ensures a holistic approach to fostering the arts — a balance between the grand and the intimate, the public and the personal.
The Armstrong County Arts Council will continue to champion the arts on a grand scale, while the invitation stands open for community members to weave their own threads into the cultural fabric of our region.
By creating and participating in local art groups, residents not only contribute to the vibrancy of our community but also to the nurturing of a space where every artist, every enthusiast, and every curious onlooker can Jnd a place to belong, to express, and to thrive.
Together, let us paint a future where art, in all its forms, becomes the heartbeat of Armstrong County.
Donna Weckerly is executive director of Armstrong County Arts Council.
A.J. Panian is the managing editor of the Leader Times. He can be reached at 724-543-1303, ext. 1325, or apanian@leadertimes.com.