Gadsden Arts Council paints new portrait for city with Artoberfest
By: Katie Bohannon
The City of Gadsden is painting a new portrait. With the recent creation of the Gadsden Arts Council – an organization developed to support the immense artistic and cultural talent bustling throughout a myriad of fine art mediums – Gadsden gazes ahead toward a promising community united in the effort to respect the enriching expression present, revitalize creative inspiration and make the arts accessible for all.
“The arts in Gadsden have been an underutilized resource for some time,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford, who prompted the organization’s inception alongside likeminded partners dedicated to the betterment of the city. “We have a number of groups who are doing good work, and the creation of a Gadsden Arts Council is a way to continue to promote active participation and collaboration of the arts in our city.”
In a vibrant illustration of its charge to cultivate the advancement of the arts community and its rich culture that saturates Etowah County, the Gadsden Arts Council takes center stage late October. The Council’s debut emerges with a special, free Wall Street event – Artoberfest – scheduled for Thursday, October 17th at 6:00 p.m. in Alabama City.
“This is the beginning of a new beacon,” said Gadsden Arts Council Board Member and local artist Kris Catoe, who channels his skill into paintings, murals and multimedia interactive sculpture. “We’ve yet to tap into the real richness of our city. Nurturing the arts in Gadsden will show that we are a community that’s expressive and evolving. The arts are the core of that growth, and Artoberfest is the perfect opportunity for the public to connect with some of the faces behind the performing art scene.”
For two hours, families will meander up and down Wall Street, absorbing the artistic medley on display. A dazzling array of performances showcases the talent nestled in this neck of Northeast Alabama, with Gadsden State Community College’s Show Band, Downtown Dance Conservatory, and Theatre of Gadsden among the headliners. Complete with interactive children’s activities and food trucks to suffice any yearning taste buds, Artoberfest serves as an opportunity for residents, art-lovers, and creative minds to experience a taste of the accomplishments the local arts community continuously achieves. Coined a “perfect family outing” by Ford, the Gadsden Arts Council proposes the event as two-fold: while Artoberfest provides a fun, engaging evening for families, the experience simultaneously raises awareness and generates exposure for the differing organizations throughout the arts community, bringing people together in the process.
“We want all of our arts programs to feel included and supported,” said Ford. “That’s what the Arts Council is about. That’s what it’s for. It’s a way to create a community that supports and celebrates all sorts of artistic pursuits, and that’s what Gadsden Arts Council’s Artoberfest will do. It will showcase several of our arts groups, and it will do it in an area that we are looking to revitalize – Wall Street in Alabama City.”
Gadsden Arts Council Chair Billy Jenkins – an instrumental Theatre of Gadsden Board Member and School Project Liaison, who has both performed on stage himself and fortified an admiration of the arts in others – emphasized the significance of Artoberfest in intriguing all ages, demonstrating the notion that the arts are not limited to a certain demographic; rather, all ages, sexes, races, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds are embraced and encouraged to become involved.
From musical and visual performances to sculpture and paintings, from murals to poetry and literary expression, Gadsden is no stranger to artistry and creative expression. Within the arts community, differences are celebrated as unique perspectives mesh to broaden mindsets and create a space where all artists are welcome to share their respective crafts and stories. Arts Council Board Member Nanda Patel, an enthusiastic supporter and educator of the arts community in her board service to the Gadsden Museum of Art and Walnut Gallery, while creating personal pieces displayed at her Gallery 808, shares Jenkins’ passion for inclusion and positive growth throughout Gadsden and surrounding areas.
“Art is a form of expression, and it has no boundaries,” said Patel. “Any successful community in this world has some form of arts showcasing who they are. In working closely with the City of Gadsden, the Gadsden Arts Council hopes to fulfill the goal of enhancing the arts at all levels and ages, ensuring legitimacy and alliance remain intact, while cultivating new installations and new opportunities come to fruition. While the Council encourages installation and exhibition [for local artists], we hope to be inclusive of education and advocacy as well.”
Art bridges the gap between individuals who may view themselves as islands, nurturing a sense of belonging and shining light on the importance of collaboration, compassion and understanding. While onlookers might perceive a mural, song, sculpture or performance as mere entertainment or a beautiful shell, creativity breathes life into communities and the arts pour encouragement, education, and unification into the beating heart of every city – its people.
“The arts help define a community’s unique identity, fostering pride and a sense of
belonging among residents,” said Jenkins. “Arts organizations and events [such as Artoberfest] can also drive tourism, create jobs, and stimulate local businesses – contributing to economic growth. In addition, arts programs enhance creativity and critical thinking, benefiting education and encouraging innovation across various fields. The arts unite people, fostering collaboration and dialogue across diverse groups and strengthening community bonds. Last of all, access
to the arts enriches daily life, provides entertainment, inspiration, and opportunities for
personal growth.”
Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, Inc. Executive Director and Arts Council advisor Tom Banks views Artoberfest as the first of many events aimed to unite the community through the arts. He noted the Council meeting as a collective body increases participation by highlighting all the wonderful arts education and audience experiences available to the community, while creating new experiences altogether. The Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts hosts the Etowah Youth Orchestras, the Gadsden Community School for the Arts, the Downtown Dance Conservatory, and the Gadsden Symphony Orchestra.
“Gadsden is rich with arts opportunities,” said Banks. “The arts provide a spark of creativity and a sense of community. The arts inspire us all and provide limitless ways to unite us as we celebrate our diversity. Involving everyone in the arts, especially children, leads to happier and more compassionate citizens.”
Across the courtyard, Gadsden Museum of Art Education and Outreach Coordinator Jill Edwards and Arts Council member Jill Edwards envisions Artoberfest as an opportunity for awareness, with the Council making art accessible for Gadsden residents through more public installations and performances. The Gadsden Museum of Art showcases numerous exhibits throughout the year, art lessons and interactive summer camps for children, while remaining involved with projects that extend beyond the museum’s walls, such as the Gadsden Public Art Trail and the Carver Legacy Project.
“We are trying to lead Gadsden into a city of culture, creativity and diversity,” said Edwards, who maintains a passion for encouraging youth in pursuing and discovering art. “I strongly believe all students should be exposed to the arts in their schools and their community. I also want more opportunities [like Artoberfest] for our citizens to enjoy the arts. My hope is that Artoberfest will spark an interest in the arts for our citizens to feel its importance in our community.”
Gadsden Arts Council member and President of Theatre of Gadsden Steve Reagan understands the importance of implementing an appreciation for the arts at a young age, emphasizing the correlation between creative expression and success across multiple fields. As a flourishing arts community generates growth for cities in tourism, economic boosts, and life-enriching experiences, a personal relationship with the arts cultivates achievement for individuals.
“As a former band director, I know it is a proven fact that music and all forms of fine arts help students achieve higher test scores in all academic areas,” said Reagan. “Unfortunately, we have folks working to remove arts from school curriculums all across our nation. The Gadsden Arts Council is working to protect and promote fine arts, and all the talented folks in our area.”
Gadsden Arts Council advisor Charles Hill’s illustrious resume reflects his continual involvement with the arts, serving in roles to support the Etowah Youth Orchestras, community theatre, and foster Arts and Humanities through educational leadership. Hill likened the arts to an essential link to life, recalling when USA Today began publishing a national paper and dividing its segments into categories, one of those entitled “Life.” He noted that underneath the umbrella of “Life,” the sections that appeared were items of interest such as music, literature, music, architecture, and drama.
“These are the things that add value and interest to life,” said Hill, reflecting on the fact that the arts provide inspiration, motivation, expectancy and excitement to the everyday, painting color across the mundane. “The arts make people want to live and work in the city. For the city, the arts pay financial benefits by attracting businesses to the area. While there are several vital arts organizations presently, Gadsden has even larger opportunities to help citizens in the arts and to serve as a vehicle for attracting businesses to the area because of a better quality of life.”
Artoberfest serves as the catalyst in a series of future initiatives the Gadsden Arts Council aim to develop and promote. The Council’s vision resides in the organization’s commitment to support, partnership and collaboration. Through community outreach and education, partnership with local artists and prioritization of arts cultivation, the Gadsden Arts Council waters the diverse seeds planted across the City of Champions and neighboring areas, recognizing the immense talent already present and tilling that fruitful soil. As a reflection of the Council’s leadership, dedication and passion, Artoberfest is an indication of the same resolve that will propel forward, encouraging others to adopt their quest to establish thriving communities enriched with connection, bustling with creativity and inspiration – transformed by the arts.
“The Arts Council is here to celebrate and support the creative spirit of our community,” said Jenkins. “We believe that the arts are not just a luxury, but an essential part of our identity and well-being. Through our programs, events, and initiatives, we aim to provide opportunities for artists to thrive, connect with one another, and engage with audiences. We invite you to join us in
nurturing creativity, exploring diverse artistic expressions, and fostering a vibrant cultural
landscape that enriches us all. Together, let’s make our community a place where the arts can
flourish and inspire! Your involvement – whether as an artist, audience member, or
supporter – makes a difference.”
