Reorganized arts council hosting Final Friday event

    The Chase County Area Arts Council has reorganized, and its first event since that was accomplished arrives on Friday when they host a Final Friday event.
    The event includes display of artwork from Imperial artist Marcia Bauerle with music from Paul Siebert of Lincoln and will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at Broken Arrow Cellars.
    Arts council secretary Kay Younger said people in the area have wanted to reorganize the arts council for several years.
    Some occasional events such as its “Thirsty Painter” sessions have been held as reorganization efforts started, Younger said, but then COVID hit and delayed those efforts.
    But, late in 2022 they finally reorganized and received their non-profit status from the state a few weeks ago, she said.
    The group has already scheduled three Final Fridays, with others in March and April, she noted.
    This Friday’s event will feature about 30 pieces of artwork on display created by Bauerle, who said they will all be acrylic collage pieces.
    Siebert of Lincoln will entertain from 5 to 7 p.m. A multi-acoustic instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, he’s performed on concert stages, in elementary classrooms, at living history events, for corporate dinners, senior communities and weddings.
    While in the community, Siebert will also perform at Chase County Schools and the Imperial Manor, Younger noted.
    Admission is free to Final Friday this week. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
    Younger said they already have the next two Final Fridays planned.
    On March 31, Dr. J. Gordon Christensen, formerly of Imperial, will bring some of his artwork for display and the April 28 event will feature artwork from local high school students.
    Each night will also have entertainment, she said.
    While the Final Friday series is the arts council’s first major event since reorganizing, Younger said they also have other ideas in the works.
    “All is on the table now for other events. We want to support all forms of art,” she said.
    One of those goals is establishing a location to display artwork on a regular basis, she said.
    The arts council meets the last Thursday of the month at Broken Arrow Cellars.
    Current officers are Sara Stretesky, president; Marcia Bauerle, vice president; Matt Musgrove, treasurer; and Younger, secretary.
    People interested in getting involved can talk to any of the officers, or call Younger, 719-342-5271.