Bringing the arts to Paris & Henry County
About the Arts Council
The Paris-Henry County Arts Council was created in 1967 to promote, encourage and stimulate the appreciation of and involvement in the arts. It's government consists of a 21-member working board with a three-year commitment that meets monthly. Funding for the council is provided by the city and county government, as well as private donations and grants. One goal of the Arts Council is the act as an identity and voice for the arts in the life of the community. Also, to partner with other groups who are active in the arts.
Arts in the schools
Introducing school children to the arts is a major emphasis for the council. The Executive Director has met with city and county principals and teachers, sharing ways that the council can be more effective in the schools and ways that they can all work more closely toward the same goals. Principals volunteered to act as liaisons between the schools and the council, and the new possibilities are endless.
Examples of school programs already in place begin with the annual Fifth Grade Field Trip in which all fifth graders in the city and county school systems have the opportunity to attend a play at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Prior enriching and though-provoking performances include To Kill A Mockingbird, Fiddler on the Roof, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Home on the Mornin’ Train.
After the production of Home on the Mornin’ Train, staff from TPAC along with the director and producer of the show came to Paris to do a follow-up of the play with the students. A special relationship with TPAC was formed in 2005 to strengthen our state’s premier art facility and our community.
The art of storytelling has long been an integral part of the Arts Council. During Story Telling Week, visiting storytellers performed in our local schools and taught children the fundamentals of their craft. The event concluded with a free evening performance with several children performing their stories on stage.
The council also sponsored award-winning children’s entertainer Rachel Sumner for the Library’s Summer Reading Program. The response from the children was tremendous.
Other beneficiaries include Henry County High School’s music, drama, and art departments. The Paris-Henry County Youth Orchestra receives monies each year and annual scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors majoring in the performing or creative arts.
In recent years, the Arts Council has recorded an increase in children’s entries for the Artist Showcase and Photo Showcase. Judges have been astounded by the quality of workmanship in the youth divisions of each show.
In response to young people’s interest in the Arts Council, a new section has been added to our website, devoted just for them and their artwork. Follow the links to Kids and The Arts.
Arts in the Community
Lee School Academy for the Arts is also impacted by council dollars. Last year it paid for scholarships and artists supplies. In addition, the council provided the conduit through which money was given to Lee School by an anonymous donor.
Concerts are a major part of the annual budget. Both the Nashville and Memphis Symphonies perform in Paris as funding and schedules allow. The Fisk University Singers thrilled audiences on two separate occasions. On the international front, Jitro, a Czech Republic Girl's Choir performed at K.P.A.C; a Greek folk ensemble and Chinese musicians have both performed in the schools.
The annual Community Christmas Concert is held the first Sunday of December. Either the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah or another special program is performed. Last year, under the direction of Peggy Williams, an adult choir, school choirs and local orchestra staged a spirited holiday event funded solely by the Arts Council.
The council often partners with other organizations as they did with the Heritage Center for "Digging Up the Past" cemetery tours. Costumed actors portrayed the lives of the men and women who shaped our community's history.
Since 1983 the Arts Council has invited local photographers to share their work. Sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Danny Kimberlin, the abundant talent of area photographers is showcased at W. G. Rhea Public Library each March. A public reception and awards presentation is held on the first Sunday.
Henry County's visual artists display their work at the month-long Artist Showcase, which premieres the first Sunday in November with a reception and awards presentation. Local artists of all ages compete for awards.