ABOUT THE
Carroll County Arts Council
The Carroll County Arts Council is located in the magnificently renovated Carroll Arts Center, formerly the Carroll Theatre in downtown Westminster. The art deco building now houses a 263-seat theatre, the Tevis Gallery, Community Gallery, Director’s Hall Gallery, Gift Shop, two art classrooms, and offices.
Our Mission
The Carroll County Arts Council strengthens and enriches Carroll County, culturally and economically, by promoting the Arts, arts education, and diverse cultural expression. Through innovative programming, community collaboration, and active facilitation, we strive to integrate the arts into the everyday lives of the community.
History
The Carroll County Arts Council was formed in 1969 by a group of volunteers who wanted to make the arts part of the everyday fabric of Carroll County life. In the 1980’s they hired a professional director and gradually played a larger role in the life of this community. About that time the Arts Council also became formally affiliated with Carroll County as one of the officially recognized Recreation Councils. While no longer a Recreation Council, the CCAC maintains an active partnership with the County through the Office of Tourism and the Recreation and Parks Department. The Arts Council is a private 501© 3 non-profit corporation which enables us to raise additional private funds to augment our public support.
The creation of the Carroll Arts Center was the result of a partnership between the City of Westminster, Carroll County Recreation & Parks Department and the Arts Council. Together we purchased and renovated the 1937 movie theatre on Main Street. It’s one of only two art deco structures in this county…the other being East Middle School. The original 850-seat Carroll Theatre opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1937 and was “the” place to go. The renovated facility opened in April of 2003 with a 263-seat theatre as well as space devoted to galleries, classrooms, and visitor amenities. The building is now owned by the City of Westminster and leased to the Arts Council for $1 per year.
Today, the Carroll Arts Center acts as a performing arts space, a visual art gallery, and a cultural hub for creatives in Carroll County and beyond.
History
The Carroll County Arts Council was formed in 1969 by a group of volunteers who wanted to make the arts part of the everyday fabric of Carroll County life. In the 1980’s they hired a professional director and gradually played a larger role in the life of this community. About that time the Arts Council also became formally affiliated with Carroll County as one of the officially recognized Recreation Councils. While no longer a Recreation Council, the CCAC maintains an active partnership with the County through the Office of Tourism and the Recreation and Parks Department. The Arts Council is a private 501© 3 non-profit corporation which enables us to raise additional private funds to augment our public support.
The creation of the Carroll Arts Center was the result of a partnership between the City of Westminster, Carroll County Recreation & Parks Department and the Arts Council. Together we purchased and renovated the 1937 movie theatre on Main Street. It’s one of only two art deco structures in this county…the other being East Middle School. The original 850-seat Carroll Theatre opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1937 and was “the” place to go. The renovated facility opened in April of 2003 with 263 seats as well as space devoted to galleries, classrooms and visitor amenities. The building is now owned by the City of Westminster and leased to the Arts Council for $1 per year.
Funding
The Arts Council receives major funding from The Maryland State Arts Council, Carroll County Department of Recreation & Parks and the City of Westminster. The membership support of individuals and businesses in the community provides additional funding and is deeply appreciated. Our many cultural programs also generate important earned income such as classes, camps, bus trips, and art sales. Special events, such as the annual Festival of Wreaths, and PEEPshow, are also sources of contributed income. We offer a host of discounts and benefits at a variety of giving levels. Memberships are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
Carroll County Arts Council Team
Board of Directors
Officers/Executive Committee |
Board Members |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gail Slater, President | Ray Arnold | JoAnn Barr | Frank Baylor |
| Kimberlee Schultz, Vice President | Denise Beaver | Sue DiPietro | Jan Flora |
| Lynn Wheeler, Secretary | Jane Fraizer | Chloe Irla | Cindy May |
| Joe Wawrzynski, Treasurer | George Maurer | Melanie Nilsson | Rob Peeples |
| Lisah Tontala, Officer at Large | Billy Lyve Williams | ||
| Bob Hicks (Carroll County Gov. Liaison) | Kevin Dayhoff (City of Westminster Liaison) |
||
Board of Directors
Officers/Executive Committee
- Gail Slater, President
- Kimberlee Schultz, Vice President
- Lynn Wheeler, Secretary
- Joe Wawrzynski, Treasurer
- Lisah Tontala, Officer at Large
Board Members
- Ray Arnold
- JoAnn Barr
- Frank Baylor
- Denise Beaver
- Sue DiPietro
- Jan Flora
- Jane Fraizer
- Chloe Irla
- Cindy May
- George Maurer
- Melanie Nilsson
- Rob Peeples
- Billy Lyve Williams
- Bob Hicks (Carroll County Government Liaison)
- Kevin Dayhoff (City of Westminster Liaison)
Employment
The CCAC is an equal opportunity employer and accessible to those with disabilities or special needs.
Media
Here you will find press releases for our upcoming events. Please let us know by email if you would like to be added to our distribution list or if you would like a high-resolution photo to accompany any of these releases.
Media
Here you will find press releases for our upcoming events. Please let us know by email if you would like to be added to our distribution list or if you would like a high-resolution photo to accompany any of these releases.
