UPCOMING EVENTS
Literary Open Mic Night Feat. Cathy Perkins
Join us for April’s Literary Open Mic Night at the BAC, featuring local author Cathy Perkins.
Come share something new or old in a friendly and safe environment. No experience necessary, open to all ages and all levels of experienced writers. Admission is free and bar will be open with beverages for sale.
Poet Cathy Perkins will read from her recently published book of poetry Udder Uproar.
Cathy is a resident of central Kentucky and owns with her husband Wayne, Perkins Mackey Stables, a thoroughbred training and racing business. She has two part-time jobs, horse-crossing guard and zero-turn mower operator. Cathy is also a stand-up comic.
Many of her poems have been included in local anthologies, including Accents Publishing, Acts of Power Press, Workhorse, LLC, and Red Lick Valley Press, the publisher of both the 2021 & 2022 editions of Coming of Age: Writing & Art by Kentucky Women Over 60. Six of Cathy's poems appeared in Jerry Jazz Musician's online journal, https://jerryjazzmusician.com.
The New Developments Album Release
Join us this week for The New Developments album release party!! Tickets are $10 at the door. The New Developments are a Funk-Rock four piece band from Berea, KY. The band is unique in that it performs original music but also performs cover songs from favorite funk and rock artists. Beginning in 2015, Carol O’Brien (guitar, vocals) and Steven Johnson (drums, vocals) started off as a duo. After a couple of lineup changes, the band has settled in as a “power quartet" which includes Maranda Weckman (lead vocals, keyboard, percussion) and Jason Middleton (bass guitar, vocals). The New Developments high-energy, funky and dynamic set has been heard at festivals and venues around Kentucky and the band continues to create, flourish and entertain audiences today.
Gardens, Plants, & Quilts with Victoria Faoro
Explore the way quilters capture striking gardens and their blooms in quilts. Victoria Faoro, a Cooperative Extension Master Gardener, quiltmaker, and past director of the National Quilt Museum will take you on a journey from traditional approaches used for centuries to new techniques being used by today’s quiltmakers. Stunning full color images of antique and contemporary quilts will illustrate the talk, presented side-by-side with photos of the beautiful blooms that have inspired them.
Quilting techniques will be highlighted and plants identified. Examples will include antique quilts, many from Kentucky Collections, and contemporary quilts made by such makers as Ruth McDowell and Jane Sassaman. Plants featured will range from traditional garden favorites like the bearded iris to less common plants like miner’s lettuce and banksia. Whether you are interested in quilting or gardening, you are sure to enjoy this journey.
Liveart - Six Bomb Boards Art Session
Kentucky Artists, lead by Artist and Comic Book Illustrator, Justin Stewart, will be coming together at the BAC for an evening of live art.
At 6BB events, artists draw or paint live and in person on six large boards used as easels so people watch the creative process unfold, from blank paper to finished work. Artists work at their own pace and take as much time as they need. When one artist is finished, another may take their place at an open board.
While artists, illustrators, and designers generally work alone, 6BB helps artists and creatives interact, collaborate, and commune with each other and brings art to people beyond the walls of galleries and museums.
Do you make art? Come draw with us.
Do you sketch, draw, paint, or doodle? If the answer is yes and there is an open board, you are welcome to draw with us! Ask a 6BB artist for a blank sheet of drawing paper and art supplies.
Yes, you can buy the artwork they make!
Almost all artwork created during a live art event is for sale. Pricing for live art pieces start at $50 and is dependent on what the artist feels is a fair price. Pieces are individually priced by the artist, who receives 100% of the sale.
Fine Art Critique at the BAC
Join us at the BAC on Second Saturdays for Fine Art Critique!! Do you have a piece of work that you have been working on and feel stuck, something you just finished and are excited to share about, or maybe you've got something in the corner needing to be dusted off... Come join this group to talk about it and share out in a friendly open environment!
This is a critique session in which artists engaged in creating non-functional fine arts are invited to an open and welcoming space to share artwork and ideas, solicit input from other fine artists, and create a community of sharing, networking and collaboration.
This is open to Drawing ● Painting ● Printmaking ● Mixed media ● Sculpture ● Non-functional ceramics ● Non-functional fine art textiles and fiber art ● Photography from a fine art perspective ● Electronic or time-based fine art ● Muralists
If you have any questions about this session, please email us at info@bereaartscouncil.org or by calling the gallery.
BAC Annual Plant Sale
GOT PLANTS? Why not donate some to our annual plant sale by stopping by the gallery between 12 and 5:30 pm on May 10th?
NEED PLANTS? Come buy some from us between 9 am and 4:00pm on May 11th!
Whether you donate, purchase, or both, you are helping to support us in our mission of making “art for everyone” possible in our community. Thanks for your support
Improv Comedy Night
Join us for BAC's improv comedy night! Our team of local actors are ready to make you laugh with this fun and loose performance at the Berea Arts Council. Come ready to have a drink, shout a profession, and laugh a lot!
Admission is free and our bar will be open with beverages for sale.
May Songwriters in the Round
Berea Arts Council’s next Songwriters in the Round will feature performances by Aligned Alchemy, Jory Bowling, Hannah Mae Rector, and Brian McKinney!
Admission is FREE but beverages as well as artist merchandise will be available for purchase. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and music will begin at 7 pm!
The Artist As Small Business Owner.
The Artist As Small Business Owner.
Join us for an upcoming workshop being hosted right here in our gallery! Join us on Monday, April 29th for FREE chance to learn about stepping into the small business world as an artist. Vallorie Henderson will be guiding you through this workshop, and providing you with the essential tools you will need for your journey.
Although this workshop is free, you must reserve your spot in order to attend! Please RSVP using the link provided, or by clicking the image.
Doors open at 5:30pm, and the workshop begins at 6:00pm. Light refreshment will be provided.
We can't wait to see you there!
Register Here: https://bereaartscouncil.networkforgood.com/events/70819-sbdc-workshop-with-vallorie-henderson
Thursday Night Vibe Feat. The Jenkin Twins
Join us at the BAC’s for a spingtime Thursday Night Vibe. April will feature none other than The Jenkins Twins, who are brothers from Estill County, Kentucky who combine the classic close harmony of country music's brother duets with a contemporary Americana sound:
Check their music out here:
https://thejenkinstwins.bandcamp.com/
Admission is $10 online or at the door while seats last, and the bar will be open throughout the performance.
Paint & Sip at the BAC with Renee Mikell
Paint & Sip at the BAC With artist Renee Mikell!! Come create a masterpiece of your furry friend, no experience necessary, we show you how to do it all!!
This will take place on April 20th at the BAC’s gallery. Admission is $35.00/Person Price includes all supplies needed! Get your tickets online or in our gallery!
Registration required before midnight on Friday, April 19th. Please provide your photo, so it may be prepped for your painting! ***Email photos to Reneegrenade@icloud.com ***
Literary Open Mic Night with Libby Falk Jones & Teagan Miller
Join us for April’s Literary Open Mic Night featuring local authors Libby Falk Jones and Teagan Miller.
Come share something new or old in a friendly and safe environment. No experience necessary, open to all ages and all levels of experienced writers.
Improv Comedy Night
Join us for the return of Improv Comedy Nights at the BAC! Our team of local actors are ready to make you laugh with this fun and loose performance at the Berea Arts Council. Come ready to have a drink, shout a profession, and laugh a lot!
Admission is free and our bar will be open with beverages for sale
Songwriters In The Round
On first Thursdays, join us at the BAC for "Songwriters in the Round," an intimate evening featuring 80 minutes of live original music performed by 4 local songwriters/songwriting duos spread across two 40-minute sets, with a brief intermission in between sets.
Featured performers – Hannah Howard, Willy James, Liliana North, & Stoner Creek Shakedown
Admission is free, and there will be beverages for sale. Donations will be gladly accepted to support the mission of the BAC — sharing art for everyone in our community!
Kentucky Arts Council’s “Continent to Commonwealth: Asian/Asian American Kentucky Art”
We’re proud to host the Kentucky Arts Council’s “Continent to Commonwealth: Asian/Asian American Kentucky Art” exhibit, running through April 3rd through the 30th. This traveling exhibit is presented in partnership with Asia Institute-Crane House and the Kentucky Chinese American Association.
Opening reception will be on Saturday, April 6th from 5:30pm to 7:30. Admission is free for all ages, and light refreshments will be available.
BAC’s bar will be open with beverages for sale- all proceeds go into supporting our mission of making art for all and allow us to continue providing quality traveling exhibits such as this!
Thursday Night Vibe feat. Them Lasses
Thursday Night Vibe at Berea Arts Council presents: Them Lasses
Them Lasses is trio of pickin’, singin’, and songwritin’ women who spread joy through sunflowers and harmonies. Since forming in July 2022, Them Lasses have quickly captured the hearts of the central Kentucky community with their wholesome sunshiny presence and sound. From lighthearted and silly to soulful and reflective, Them Lasses puts on a dynamic and entertaining show that blends the songs, voices, vibes and instruments of its three members: Brittany Dawn Samples, Erin Sliney, and Abby Rank Aydlotte. They are heavily influenced by the land and traditional music of their home state of Kentucky, as well as musical legends like John Prine, Elizabeth Cotten, and the Carter Family. Them Lasses are sure to touch your heart, get your feet stomping, and ignite your love for life’s simple joys: happy flowers, good chickens, creeks, and homegrown tomatoes.
Tickets $10 at the door or online
Doors open 6:30 pm
Music starts 7:00 pm
Full bar service throughout show
Literary Open Mic featuring Mathew Parsons
Join us for the return of Literary Open Mic Night’s at the Berea Arts Council with our first featured author of the year, Mathew Parsons!
Matt Parsons is a poet and farmer from Eastern Kentucky. He has been published in
print and online journals such as Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel, Rattle, and Still: the Journal,
among others. His debut poetry collection from Pine Row Press, Mountain Roosters, explores
themes of masculinity in rural Appalachia. Matt is a professional musician and songwriter,
touring domestically and internationally with such acts as The Price Sisters, The Local Honeys,
and his family band, Whistle & Fish.
Moves & Grooves
Get ready to groove and move to the rhythm of the beats at the electrifying "Moves & Grooves" Sessions!
Join us on March 16th as we dive into the vibrant world of hip hop music and showcase the incredible talents of local artists. This dynamic event is all about celebrating the artistry, creativity, and passion that drive the hip hop culture.
We invite you to join us at the Berea Arts Council in Berea, Kentucky, as we create a vibrant atmosphere filled with infectious grooves, electrifying moves, and a community united by their love for hip hop music. Best of all, this event is free to the public, so bring your friends, family, and fellow music enthusiasts for an unforgettable night of rhythm and rhymes.
Mark your calendars and get ready to witness the power and soul of hip hop at the "Moves & Grooves" Sessions. Let's create moments that will make us groove, move, and remember this night forever!
Exhibit Reception Opening for Muses & Sirens
Muses & Sirens presents a collection of work by Lexington artist, Melissa Hall, which celebrates what can happen when she listens to that siren call of finding the next location, the perfect dress, and the wild women who inhabit her work.
Doors open at 5:30pm for the exhibit opening reception, with an artist talk beginning at 6:30pm.
First Songwriters in the Round of 2024!
Join us at the BAC for the "Songwriters in the Round” of 2024! This is an intimate evening featuring 80 minutes of live original music performed by 4 local songwriters/songwriting duos spread across two 40-minute sets, with a brief intermission in between sets.
Featured performers – Aubree Isaacs, John Harmon, Alicia New, & Darron Sturgill
Admission is free, and there will be beverages for sale. Donations will be gladly accepted to support the mission of the BAC — sharing art for everyone in our community!
Save The Date! Stepping Out For Art 2024
Save the date!!! Our annual event of the year, Stepping Out For Art 2024 will be held on February 24th, 2024 this year at historic Berea venue, Churchill’s. Ticket information will be released soon!
Valentine Card Making Workshop (For Adults!)
Come create perfect handmade cards for a loved one right here at the Berea Arts Council! Hosted by Cynthia Tauscher, and all materials are provided. You will take home two different card designs.
The workshop fee is $30/person.
Saturday, february 10th
doors open 4pm
starts at 4:30pm
Berea Arts Council
BAC Fine Art Critique Sessions
Fine Art Critique sessions return for 2024 at the BAC! Do you have a piece of work that you have been working on and feel stuck, something you just finished and are excited to share about, or maybe you've got something in the corner needing to be dusted off... Come join this group to talk about it and share out in a friendly open environment!
This is a critique session in which artists engaged in creating non-functional fine arts are invited to an open and welcoming space to share artwork and ideas, solicit input from other fine artists, and create a community of sharing, networking and collaboration.
This is open to Drawing ● Painting ● Printmaking ● Mixed media ● Sculpture ● Non-functional ceramics ● Non-functional fine art textiles and fiber art ● Photography from a fine art perspective ● Electronic or time-based fine art ● Muralists
This first session will be free for all to attend!
If you have any questions about this session, please email us at info@bereaartscouncil.org or by calling the gallery.
Love is Live Music at the BAC
Mewz in cooperation with the Berea Art Council present
Love is Live Music
Aligned Alchemy
Darron Sturgill
Hannah Mae Music
Enjoy an evening of lovely live music in picturesque Berea Kentucky. Bring a friend, or make a new one...
All are welcome
Doors 630 PM
Music 700 PM
Admission $5 at door. Cash and Cards accepted.
All ticket sales benefit our evening’s performers.
Berea Art Council will provide a cash/card bar.
Songwriters Sessions
Join us for a day of live acoustic music at the Berea Arts Council on January 27th, 2024!
This free event is open to the public and will feature some of the best solo and duo acts in the area.
Come out and enjoy great company while listening to talented musicians perform their hearts out.
You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to connect with the local music scene and support your favorite artists.
This event is completely free, so be sure to mark your calendars and get there early to grab a good spot. See you there!
Date: January 27th, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Berea Arts Council
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Stepping Out For Art - Preview Reception
Join us on January 26th to preview the items donated by artists from all over Kentucky for our upcoming annual art auction and fundraiser, Stepping Out For Art. The reception will be from 5:30 to 7:30pm in our gallery at 444 Chestnut St. Admission is FREE & Free refreshments will be provided, we can't wait to see you there!
Christmas Concert with Liza & AJ
Take a moment to enjoy music of the season with folk duo favorites Liza and A.J. right here at the BAC on Saturday December 16th from 7-9pm
All-ages admission is $10. Tickets can be purchased online, in the gallery, or at the door. Ticket/seating is limited.
Our cash/card bar open throughout performance with beverages available for purchase. Free light holiday refreshments will be available as well.
Painting Ornament Workshop
Join us at the BAC to create a special hand painted ornament, perfect for gifting this holiday season or to display proudly on your tree! Seats are limited per session so don't hesitate to get your ticket! This workshop is open to ages 10+, but anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult and both participants must have purchased tickets.
There are two sessions available for this workshop: A morning session from 10am to 12pm, and an afternoon session from 1pm to 3pm.
Admission is $30 per person (materials will be included.) Tickets can be bought online or in the gallery. *They must be bought in advance due to the limited availability*
Holiday Open House
The BAC will be open ALL DAY on Saturday, December 2nd for you to come shop local while supporting your local arts community! Discover one-of-a-kind, handmade treasures at our holiday market and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones while supporting local artists.
We will also have holiday crafts for all ages to create either a holiday card or tree ornament to take with them!
Complimentary seasonal treats and refreshments will be available.
Annual Report
Join us on Thursday, November 30th in our gallery from 6pm to 7pm to listen and learn about the progress the BAC has made is the past year! We are excited to share with you the impact we have made in our community. FREE food and drinks will be available for those that attend.
Literary Reading & Signing Hosted by Shadelandhouse Modern Press
Join us at the Berea Arts Council for a Literary Reading and Signing hosted by Shadelandhouse Modern Press on 11/19 from 1-2:30 PM.
Authors will share brief readings and be in conversation. The author pairs are Melva Priddy and Carolyn Grace, and then Sherry Robinson and Bobi Conn.
Admission is free, and there will be complimentary refreshments available; donations to the BAC are greatly appreciated.
Songwriter Sessions
Join us for a day of live acoustic music at the Berea Arts Council on November 18, 2023! This free event is open to the public and will feature some of the best solo and duo acts in the area.
Come out and enjoy the beautiful art on display, beverages for sale, and good company while listening to talented musicians perform their hearts out. You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to connect with the local music scene and support your favorite artists.
This event is completely FREE, and there will be beverages for sale! See you there!
Date: November 18, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Improv Comedy Show
Join us for BAC's improv comedy night! Our team of local actors are ready to make you laugh with this fun a loose performance at the Berea Area Arts Council. Come ready to have a drink, shout a profession, and laugh a lot.
Admission is free, and our bar will be open with beverages for sale.