The Montgomery County Arts Council was formed in 2013 after the University Extension hosted a meeting on Jan. 23, 2013 at the Montgomery City Public Library to begin the formation of an arts council in Montgomery County. Michael Gaines of the Missouri Arts Council teamed up with Community Development Specialist Dean Larkin to start the process. Gaines, who was then the Administrator of the Hanniba
l Arts Council, offered information on how other counties have organized their arts councils. Another meeting was held on Feb. 12 with the group creating by-laws, forming a governing board and discussing membership ideas. Cindy Branstetter, Laura Burnham, Ross Castle, Suzanne Espen and Laurie Ruhl became the charter board of directors of MCAC, which is dedicated to supporting all the arts and artists throughout the whole county with the goal of providing talented and creative artists in the area with opportunities to show and sell their work. The Arts Council’s first event was the First Big Art Show and Sale on March 23, 2013 at the Bellflower Community Center. There were 20 artists at the event, which drew about 100 people. The Arts Council held its first board meeting on April 4 at the University of Missouri Extension Office. The Montgomery County Arts Council supports the work and success of local artists and artisans of all ages. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting creativity and access to all the arts in Montgomery County. We offer an Art Gallery, Classes, Summer Art Camp, Workshops and Seminars, Open Studio Thursday Nights, and Saturday in the Park.
