By Donna Weckerly, For The Leader Times
Oct 7, 2023
Armstrong County has always been a mosaic of talent and creativity.
We are proud to introduce a brand-new addition to our community – the Armstrong County Arts Council, a 509(a)© non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing, promoting and showcasing the artistic pulse of our county.
The council’s mission is to not only bring art to the public, but to make it a pivotal part of our daily lives.
From hosting workshops and exhibitions to providing a platform for emerging and established artists, the council is set to transform our county into an even more vibrant hub of artistic expression.
And speaking of established artists, it’s only fitting that we highlight one of the exceptional talents in our midst as we introduce this new organization: Marilyn Rea.
In 1974, Marilyn and a group of like-minded artists, musicians, and craftsmen established the Armstrong County League of Arts.
As the League of Arts’ president and one of the founding members, Marilyn promoted arts and music in Armstrong County and the surrounding area for decades. Perhaps you can recall the sounds of fiddles and banjos coming from the log cabin along the Cadogan-Slate Lick Road where the musicians and artists gathered to share in the fun of music and dance.
Decades of promoting the arts and creating a space for creative people to meet and learn was the cornerstone of this local organization.
Sadly, the organization was dissolved in 2020.
But Marilyn’s artistic legacy remains in every corner of our country — her artwork displayed in county buildings, local homes, and galleries across the nation.
Marilyn’s art work is as expansive as it is impressive.
Acrylics are her medium of choice, and her work has found a home in many unexpected places.
A notable achievement includes crafting over forty 4’ x 9’ murals for Sadecky’s Puppets, a testament to her skill and dedication.
Beyond puppet theaters, Marilyn’s murals have graced churches and offered viewers a sweeping twenty-foot wildlife spectacle.
But her talents don’t stop there.
Marilyn has a unique niche: painting and restoring musical instruments. With a delicate hand, she’s adorned violins and other instruments with intricate designs, ensuring that her artwork is protected under the varnish. This detail not only maintains the instrument’s sound integrity but also transforms it into a dual-purpose masterpiece – a collectible artwork and a playable instrument.
Marilyn has been an art pioneer in Armstrong County!
She has hand painted and repaired many violins and musical instruments for private collectors and musicians.
You can browse and enjoy Marilyn Rea’s work by visiting her website at https://www.thelittleartshoppe.com/.
As the Armstrong County Arts Council takes its first steps, artists like Marilyn Rea exemplify the boundless potential and rich heritage of our community.
We invite you to join us in this exciting chapter, where art isn’t just viewed but lived and experienced. The Armstrong County Arts Council (ACAC) is already stepping into local communities and offering artistic guidance and support for local art projects. Recently, the Arts Council joined the Ford City Farmers Market’s Art Walk — bringing local artisans and creatives together with our local farmers was the perfect combination.
Stay tuned for more updates, events, and artist features from the Armstrong County Arts Council, where creativity finds its home.
As a solely public funded nonprofit organization, donations are always accepted.
Please visit our website at www.armstrongcountyartscouncil.com for more details and ways you can help support the local arts.
Your support illuminates the artistic spirit of Armstrong County.
Feel free to reach out to Donna Weckerly, the Executive Director, with any creative ideas or suggestions to bring arts and culture to every corner of our county.
Email Donna at armstrongcountyartscouncil@gmail.com.
Comments