The Batesville Area Arts Council (BAAC) held its annual “Celebration of the Arts” on Tuesday, August 27th at Shift Restaurant and Bar. Members gathered for a review of the past year's events, preview of the upcoming calendar, and presentation of awards. The evening began with highlights of the Arts in Education (AIE) program. Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, the BAAC funded 45 AIE opportunities in a variety of disciplines, enriching classroom experiences for students in all six area schools.
Outgoing president Paul Satchwill featured some of his favorite community events, including “The Art Of” podcast, which will culminate in a live viewing of all four episodes at the Gibson Theater in October. Incoming president Shannon Mullins described her vision of the upcoming year and shared several exciting events, including a holiday concert series, Stunt Dogs, and Cirque US.
Collaboration was the spirit of the evening as highlighted events featured partnerships with several area organizations, including Ripley County Community Foundation, Batesville Main Street, Hispanic Community Advisory Committee, Batesville Memorial Public Library, and Kids Discovery Factory. Backstage Pass Theater Camps, a cooperative project between Kids Discovery Factory and the BAAC, will begin in October with a “Special Effects Makeup Camp.” This series is made possible by the Hillenbrand Partnership Possibilities Grant awarded to Kids Discovery Factory.
The Batesville Area Arts Council also expressed its gratitude for volunteers and organizations that were especially helpful in promoting its mission: the President's Award went to Walt Enneking for his work on “The Art Of” podcast; Angela Linville was awarded Volunteer of the Year for leading a successful acquisition team for the 2024 Auction for the Arts; WRBI Radio received Organization of the Year for its involvement with a Christmas Carol Live Radio Show; and Chaz Kaiser and Wayne Lanning received this year’s Arts in Education award for 30 years of engaging students through the BMS copper lantern project. Indiana Arts Commission, Fred and Jolene Rockwood Foundation, and Rising Sun Regional Foundation were also recognized for their generous financial investment.
Outgoing board members Dan Hall, Judy Meyer, and Connie Rozman were thanked for their dedicated service before new board members were introduced. The BAAC is excited to welcome Jessica VanDeventer (Vice President), Alli Andrews (Social Media), Dan Harmeyer (Treasurer), Amber Cochran, Hannah Evans, and Kevin McGuire (all at-large) to the board of directors.
The Batesville Area Arts Council is extremely grateful for the community’s ongoing investment in the Arts. Click the links for information about art opportunities, membership, volunteering, and events.
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