Berea Arts Council records

The Berea Arts Council (BAC) is a currently operating local arts council that was established in 1986 by John S. Bolin as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Since its inception, the BAC’s mission has been to extend the resources of Berea College and Berea's extensive art community to connect the community through the various forms of art. BAC activities primarily include arts exhibits and workshops, arts activities and public arts projects, and arts leadership within other organizations and city government planning.

Their annual programs such as Chili Night Out, Quilt Extravaganza, A Walk with the Arts, and Stepping Out for Art have become a staple in the Berea and wider Madison County community. Adult and Children Workshops have educated a range of ages on various forms of art and craft while highlighting the instructing artsits. Community projects, such as the Show of Hands, have demonstrated not only the communal spirit of the Berea Arts Council, but additionally showcased the permanance of art in Berea life with the painted concrete hands installed around the town. The Berea Arts Council establishes continuity with and furthers Berea's legistlative designation as the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky.