SIDNEY — In 2017, Gateway Arts Council entered its 30th year of promoting the accessibility, creation, presentation, and preservation of artistic and cultural resources for the benefit, enjoyment and enrichment of the Shelby County Community.
“The past year had many highly-successful events, including four Presents Series shows for families, two nationally touring children’s productions, the Princess Ball, Spring Fling Fine Art Exhibit, and the Lego Design Challenge and Exhibit entitled, ‘It’s All About That Brick,’” said Ellen Keyes, Gateway Arts Council executive director.
Her report continues:
In 2017, Gateway Arts Council presented “Second City,” “Liverpool Legends,” “Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder” and “The 3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec- Tac- Yule- Ar” as part of its Presents Series. All four of the performances were held at the Sidney High School Auditorium. This was the first year Gateway had a fourth show in the Presents Series.
In addition, Gateway Arts Council hosted five different art exhibits, the Spring Fling Juried Art Competition, the Lego Design Challenge and Exhibit, and Mini Mozart’s (children’s piano and voice classes) at its offices. The Arts Council was also able to help out other local arts organizations through funding. Gateway Arts Council held the seventh annual, “Bad Art By Good People” event where 24 local county fair lovers created artwork and competed for the title of “Best Bad Artist.”
In 2017, Gateway Arts Council released the DVD of its popular documentary film, “Moving A Nation.” The film was a tribute to the rich and inspiring story of Shelby County industry and its essential role to our countyís past, present, and future. It portrayed the strength, vitality, and diversity of the men and women who work every day to make ends meet. The production captured the story of industry through the eyes of those close to it; the founders, workers, and their families. The film was shown on several television stations throughout Northwest Ohio.
Gateway Arts Council starts its 31st year in 2018 and many wonderful events are planned. Gateway Arts Council presented to a sold out crowd, “Maureen McGovern” on Feb. 11 and “Rockapella” on April 15 . Each month the Gateway Arts Council will host a new exhibit in the gallery. In addition, Gateway will host the Spring Fling Juried Art Competition, adult watercolor classes, Princess Ball, national touring childrenís shows, and the Lego Design Challenge. Gateway Arts Council is extremely grateful for the Sidney High School auditorium and the Cameo Theater. These beautiful facilities help Gateway make the arts happen in Shelby County.
Through its many donors, sponsors and grantors, Gateway Arts Council is proud to have become Shelby Countyís premier arts organization. Gateway is honored to be able to provide arts to Shelby County because to paraphrased words of one philosopher: “Art gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, and life to everything.”
Art is Life … Pass it On!!
