SIDNEY — In 2020, Gateway Arts Council entered its 34th 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 has been an eventful one for Gateway. The year started with many highly-successful events, including one Presents Series show for families, one nationally touring childrenís production, Bad Art By Good People, and XIX ñ A Visual Arts Tribute to Womenís Right to Vote. However, in March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused Gateway to postpone or cancel many of its events,” said Executive Director Ellen Keyes.
Her report continues:
In 2020, Gateway Arts Council presented “The Company Men” to a sold-out crowd. The Presents Series shows “Big Bad VooDoo Daddy,” “Sweet Caroline — A Tribute to Neil Diamond,” “The Osmond-Chapman Orchestra” and “Restless Heart” have been rescheduled. The new dates can be found on Gateway’s website, www.gatewayartscouncil.org. Gateway staff members are currently working to see what performance options are available for the April 2021 show ìJefferson Starshipî. Further shows are under consideration and will be booked when the situation allows.
Gateway Arts Council was able to host several different art exhibits before the pandemic caused the gallery to temporarily close. One of the exhibits was a visual tribute to celebrate the 100th anniversary of womenís right to vote. The Spring Fling Juried Art Competition was conducted virtually. Currently, Gateway’s gallery is featuring the work of Todd Loe and is open to the public. In 2020 Gateway continued to host music lessons in its offices. The lessons included vocal, violin, piano, and almost every other musical instrument. Gateway Arts Council partnered with Amos Memorial Library to hold the ninth annual, “Bad Art By Good People” While the Arts Council was only able to have half the number of artists, the event was highly successful.
Gateway Arts Council starts its 34th year in 2021 with gratitude to its many donors, patrons, and sponsors. As a result of the strong support, Gateway has been able to maintain steadfast in its mission during this pandemic. As we move into 2021, Gateway is planning many wonderful events. Gateway has started a new podcast that is available on Spotify. Each month, the Gateway Arts Council will host a new exhibit in the gallery. Future events will be announced as 2021 progresses.
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 and surrounding areas. To paraphrase the words of one philosopher: “Art gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, and life to everything.”
Art is Life— .. Live It!
