BUCYRUS — As it celebrates its 10th anniversary in September, the Crawford County Arts Council is rebranding and expanding.
The group is ever so slightly changing its name to the Crawford County Arts Center and also pushing out its physical space from Bucyrus to become a countywide entity. And as they reach year 10, the team is adding to their services.
A reflections-themed gallery exhibition and accompanying members-only preview night will occur on Sept. 29 at 1801 E. Mansfield St. in Bucyrus.
The gallery will then be open to the public the following day from 12-4 p.m. for an event featuring free food, art activities, and vendors.
“This will be the kick-off for our renewed presence in the area after restructuring and recovering from COVID impacts,” Executive Director Kaylee Powers explained to the Inquirer. “As we focus on expanding our offerings, we want to make sure it is easy for people to find and interact with the actual place they will be learning and enjoying art.”
Locally, there are also expected benefits.
“It will help bolster arts in our communities, especially with them having a physical space to change out galleries,” Beth Anne Jarvis, Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce administrative assistant, said. “They’ve been doing a lot of events to help bring arts to kids and adults, and giving them more opportunities to express themselves through art.”
That already included appearances at the always popular Second Thursdays in Crestline and Third Fridays in Galion, where a few members joined and offered chalk art and ways for children to interact. Jarvis said chalk art has been particularly popular among kids and adults.
The team will return on Sept. 15 for the TFIG finale.
Powers, who became their new director in late May, is a Galion High School graduate.
“I am really looking forward to expanding our adult class offerings with trendy topics, including macrame, wire wrapping crystals, card making, and even the art of low-carb cooking,” she said, later noting that Facebook is the best place for people to stay up to date with their schedule.
The Crawford County Arts Center is a proud member of the local Chamber of Commerce.
“As was the case for many non-profit organizations, the pandemic was a particularly difficult time,” Arts Center Board of Directors President Joe Graham explained. “When we were forced to shut down, our programs simply stopped. In addition, even prior to the pandemic, our communication with sister organizations in Crawford County could have been better. Since the beginning of 2023, we have reached out to several organizations that, like us, serve all of Crawford County.”
A.J. Kaufman is a correspondent for the Galion Inquirer.
