New Arts Commission forms

With the help of a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission, the Sweet Owen Arts Commission (SOAC) has formed to promote and advocate for artists in the Owen County area.

The new arts group was created after the Indiana Arts Commission reached out to the Owen County Chamber of Commerce asking for volunteers to participate in the Creative Convergence gathering in Lebanon, Indiana and hosted by Ball State University. After a two-day session, the volunteers started working to officially create an arts commission for the county and to use input from the artists on a future public works project.

After a series of meetings, including a public meeting on Jan. 29 and concluding with a public meeting on July 16, SOAC received the final design drawings for an amphitheater project. If Spencer is awarded a grant to renovate Cooper Commons, the amphitheater may be part of it, thanks to the input of local artists.

In addition, SOAC is working with local artists on a crosswalk project in Spencer. On Oct. 25, SOAC will host Arts in the Park in Cooper Commons.

Fortunately, Owen County is home to strong arts communities, like the Owen County Civic Theatre. SOAC will work in coordination with these groups as well as local artists. Though not a part of government, SOAC will communicate with elected officials on behalf of the arts community.

SOAC was granted not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status in April. The website sweetowenarts.org has more information about the organization and several artists who work in Owen County.