In 2017, the McKean County Arts Council was an idea. Now, the non-profit organization is taking shape in the form of an office at the old Post Office building in Bradford.
The council developed as a project of the 2017 Leadership McKean class, and its goal is to support all arts in the county, including visual and performing arts.
The historic building, located at 80 E. Corydon St., is also home to other offices including Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau. In fact, the bureau’s office is directly across from the council’s office, said Greg Souchik, council president.
Souchik described plans for the space.
“We have an office and half of the front entrance hall to use,” he said. “We hope to conduct some classes in both locations as well as use the space to exhibit art. The office is just a starting point as our goal is to serve all of McKean County and the surrounding areas.”
The organization is moved in, but equipment and office supplies are still being acquired, Souchik said.
The community will have a chance to see the space when the council holds its next public meeting at 11:30 a.m. April 7.
“We welcome anyone that is interested in getting involved in the council and hearing about our plans for the year,” Souchik said.
An official grand opening will be held in July, he noted.
As seems to be Bradford’s way, the community has stepped up to help the organization as it moves into its new home.
Souchik explained, “The building owners were very gracious and helpful and donated a few months rent, and we received a grant from the Blaisdell Foundation that will keep us going for a few more months after that.”
The McKean County Arts Council continues to look for ways to promote the arts in the area.
“We are looking for artists that would like to exhibit their work, and we are scheduling exhibits at our offices for those artists,” he said. He added that the group is planning art classes, and it wants to put on a special art exhibit at the Italian Festival in August.
Updates on the organization’s happenings can be found on the McKean County Arts Council Facebook page.
When asked if the organization had any items on its wishlist for its new space, Souchik said, “As a beginning non-profit we are always looking for funds to help us meet our goals and bills. Donations and memberships are greatly appreciated.”
The group’s mailing address is McKean County Arts Council, PO Box 577, Bradford, PA 16701. He noted the council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and donations are federally tax deductible.
