submitted by the Butler County Arts Guild
Butler County is known for many things – the gorgeous Green River that meanders in and around it, breathtaking bluffs, rolling hills, the bustling county seat of Morgantown, and quaint, smaller towns like Rochester and Woodbury. But the best-kept secret in Butler County is that it is brimming with artists, from painters to poets to potters and more. The goal of the Butler County Arts Guild is to bring that secret out in the open and let everyone know about all the talent we have here in our county. In fact, our mission statement is this: We exist to shine the spotlight on Butler County and its many artists, and to nurture future artists.
Josh Hampton founded the Butler County Arts Guild in 2013. Through the years, our membership has grown. Currently, we have over 60 members, with ten “Junior Arts Guild” members.
“When we started the Arts Guild, it was in an effort to raise awareness and shine a light on our wealth of creative talent in Butler County,” said Hampton, a talented artist in his own right. “I really couldn’t have imagined the great success the Guild is experiencing now. I’m proud to still be a part of the Guild, and proud to be a Butler Countian!”
At first, Guild members did not have a place to call our own, so we met at various places around town, from City Hall to the Eva Hawes Community Center. More than once, we met on the courthouse lawn. Eventually, a little over two years ago, we decided to find a permanent location to conduct our meetings and serve as a gathering place for all artists. County Attorney Dick Dye and retired District Judge Renona Browning had a building in need of renovation and graciously donated the use of it to the Arts Guild, in exchange for bringing it back up to speed. The building is located at 115 West Ohio Street in Morgantown, across from the Butler County Public Library.
After two years of hard work and lots of blood, sweat and tears, our grand opening is May 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at this free event that is open to all. Our grand opening is in conjunction with the season opener of our “Music at the Mural” series, a free music concert that takes place at the Morgantown Mural. These fun and free concerts occur the first Friday night of each month from May through October. They are organized by singer and Arts Guild member Rachel Johnson.
Our grand opening celebration spills over into the next day with a concert by vocalist and Butler County native Dr. Sherri Phelps who will be accompanied by pianist and Ohio County native Dr. Rachel Taylor. Both artists are world renowned, classically trained musicians. They will be performing the music of Kentuckian John Jacob Niles, who was known as the “Great Balladeer,” influencing the likes of Burl Ives, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. The recital is entitled Written in the Stars.
“Butler County has always been so rich in talent, and I am excited and very honored to come home to sing,” Phelps said. This concert will be held at Aberdeen Baptist Church, Saturday, May 5, beginning at 7 p.m. In lieu of set ticket prices, donations to the Arts Guild will be gratefully accepted.
Activities and events planned in the future for our new location include displays of local and Kentucky-oriented art, art classes of all kinds, clubs, small concerts and plays, and a myriad of other arts and crafts related activities. Local artists will also be able to offer their works for sale. We have already started a monthly online photography challenge and last fall held a successful online photography contest. The excitement is palpable about what we can accomplish, now that we have a brick-and-mortar location!
In addition to the Music at the Mural concerts, we have two more signature events. On September 8, the Third Annual West Ohio Street Chalk Art Festival will be held. West Ohio Street is closed to traffic for this fun and free event, so children and adults can safely play and create chalk art on the sidewalks and on the street. The festival also includes free food, music, performances by the Morgantown Line Dancers and, of course, lots of smiles and laughter.
On November 3, our Fifth Annual Butler County History Bus Tour takes place. This popular event has become a Butler County tradition in which guests travel the county in a comfortable chartered bus while local historian Roger Givens points out places of interest and history along the way. A meal and several stops through the day increase the fun and fellowship.
Meetings of the Butler County Arts Guild are held the last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. And whether you are an artist or think you have no artistic ability at all, you are welcome. All you need is a love for your community and a passion to see it thrive.
“We have members of all kinds, from all walks of life, from varying political parties and beliefs,” said Karen Harper Lain, Guild vice president. “None of that matters or gets in the way of what we do for our beloved Butler County. Art has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with beauty and a better way of life.”
For more information about joining the Arts Guild, call 270-993-8542. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“Keeping art alive and well in a community is important for several reasons, ranging from better mental health to economic development,” said Roger Givens, current Arts Guild president. “Doing art together creates community pride and cohesiveness. A better quality of life makes a community a better place to live and work and makes us more attractive to prospective businesses and residents who might be looking to locate in Butler County.”
One thing is for certain: The arts are alive and well in Butler County. Come see (and hear) for yourself!
