Looking Back Through Our History
A page from the Post-Intelligencer of Arts Week, 1969
The Paris Henry County Arts Council has a rich history of promoting and encouraging the arts in the local community. Established in 1967, the Arts Council was formed after a group of citizens gathered to discuss ways to promote cultural activities in the area. The founding members included Mrs. William T. Bell, Mrs. L.B. Dodson, Mrs. Robert James, Mrs. Tom McCutcheon, Mrs. Hugh G. Morgan, and Mrs. George W. Willoughby.
The Arts Council's first major event was a juried art show, which was held in the fall of 1967. The show was a success, and it became an annual event, featuring works of art from local artists and artists from surrounding areas. Over the years, the Arts Council continued to grow and expand its offerings. In the 1980s, the Arts Council began offering an Arts in Education program, providing funding for arts-related activities in local schools. The organization also began sponsoring an annual photography contest and exhibit.
In addition to promoting the arts, the Arts Council focused on preserving local history and architecture. In 1975, the organization received a grant from the Tennessee Historical Commission to restore the exterior of the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center, which was built in 1896. The Arts Council has also been involved in other preservation projects, including the restoration of the Lee Academy building, which is now used as a community center.
The Arts Council has played a significant role in bringing art and culture to the community through various community projects and initiatives. For example, in 2016, the Arts Council collaborated with the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce to create the "Art in Public Places" project, featuring local art installations throughout the community. In 2018, the organization partnered with the Tennessee Arts Commission and local businesses to create a public art mural in downtown Paris, featuring a depiction of the city's famous Eiffel Tower.
The Arts Council has supported local artists and students pursuing careers in the arts through grants and scholarships, funding community arts programs and initiatives, and bringing nationally and internationally renowned performers and exhibits to the community.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, but the Arts Council adapted, launching a "Virtual Art Gallery" featuring online exhibits of works by local artists and hosting virtual concerts and performances.
Overall, the Paris Henry County Arts Council continues to promote and support the arts in the community, offering a wide range of events and programs that bring together artists, musicians, and other creative individuals. The Arts Council is a vital cultural resource for the Paris-Henry County area, helping to enrich the community through the arts.
