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A new year is a good time to get involved in the arts. Whether you enjoy attending concerts, stage plays or ballets, writing poetry or short stories, throwing pottery or doing photography—there are opportunities both locally and regionally. Locally there are lots of possibilities. You might start with a walking tour of African American heritage locations in the downtown area, or a driving tour of Clark County’s 26 roadside historic markers. Maps of both are available at the Bluegrass Heritage Museum at 217 South Main Street.

The Bluegrass Heritage Museum has once again started up its popular Second Thursday programs that feature speakers on local history topics as well as occasional Kentucky Chautauqua performances.

Additionally, the museum is specifically seeking out African American articles and stories about life in Clark County. If you would like more information or to contribute such, contact Sandy Stults, museum director, at bgheritage@bellsouth.net.

The Clark County Library is a source of information on a wide variety of books that will help you keep your arts resolution with its how-to books on everything from art appreciation to cross stitch, drawing, knitting, painting, poetry, pottery, sewing, and writing.

In the collections are novels and other works by Kentucky poets, and writers. Art exhibits of the work of local artists are frequent. And there are two groups for writers that meet at least twice a month. For more information on these and other resources visit the library at 370 S. Burns Ave or its website, http://www.clarkbooks.org/

The Leeds Center for the Arts is producing Into the Woods, Jr. starting in late February. Visit their website https://leedscenter.org for more information.

The Winchester Art Guild’s store Arts on Main is closed the months of January and February except by appointment and for “The Winter Walk About” on February 10, from 5-8 p.m.

Visit their website https://www.winchesterartguild.com/for more information about hours, events, and how to join.

The Winchester Christian Ballet located at 5 N. Bloomfield is a Christ-centered, parent- led ballet company for students 3 to 18. The group’s performances, according to its website, “are not just dance recitals, they are ministry opportunities.” Classes start at $45 per month and participants may start at any time. Contact Mary Bolar at 859-744-7466 for information or to
enroll. Kentucky Arts Council (KAC)

The “Opportunities for Artists” page on the KAC website lists lots of possible ways for artists and lovers of art to engage not just
regionally, but in places across the country. Following are just four of the current Kentucky listings found at
http://artscouncil.ky.gov/KAC/Entrepreneurs/ARTOpportunities.htm

The Lexington Art League (LAL) is accepting proposals from its members for 2023 solo and group exhibitions to be held on the first floor of the Loudon House in Castlewood Park.

Between now and 31 March 2022 members wishing to be considered should submit an exhibit proposal form, and examples of their work. Information about how to join LAL and to apply for an exhibit can be found at http://www.lexingtonartleague.org/exhibits_call.html
Poezia (Lexington) is a free poetry workshop that welcomes poets at every level of expertise. Meetings are generally held at Common Grounds Coffeehouse at 7 PM, Thursday evenings.

For more information visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/LexingtonPoetry/posts/1906079302781489/

Women Who Write (Louisville) “offers members a safe, supportive environment in which to improve their skills. We welcome, educate and support all women who aspire to write.

All women interested in writing, in any genre, at any level, are invited.” Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month, from 6:30pm-8:00pm, and will continue to be on Zoom until further notice. Zoom links will be sent to members via the newsletter or by request via their website, http://womenwhowrite.com Poetry, fiction and nonfiction writers are encouraged to join
and participate.

The Yeiser Art Center (Paducah) is seeking consignment artwork to sell in the Gallery Store. All original art and craft media will be considered and selection will be based upon quality and marketability. Those interested in submitting work should send five to ten samples of their work, price list, contact information, a short biography and consideration about how the work should be displayed. More information at https://theyeiser.org/

Bill McCann is an arts columnist, playwright, member of the Dramatists Guild, and a host of the Theatre Series, an occasional feature of WEKUs Eastern Standard news magazine. For more information visit www.whmccann.com