McKenzie Rotary Club Learns About Carroll Arts’ Mission

McKENZIE (June 9) — The Rotary Club of McKenzie welcomed representatives from Carroll Arts to the Vera Low Center on the campus of Bethel University this past Tuesday, June 9. Co-chairs Carol Armpriest and Denise Sam shared the organization’s ongoing efforts to foster a vibrant arts culture across Carroll County. 

Established in 1994, Carroll Arts has long served as a cornerstone for local creativity, supporting both established artists and emerging talent. During the presentation, Armpriest and Sam outlined a calendar of annual events, ranging from the Sweet Tea Festival theatrical production and the Huntingdon Heritage Festival storytellers to the popular Hometown Christmas variety show. 

A significant focus for the organization is youth engagement. The upcoming July "Creativity Camp," designed for children from pre-K through middle school, offers classes in art, music, and creative writing. The camp, which concludes with a student showcase, is noted for its ability to build confidence in young participants. Additionally, the group continues to support local high schoolers through the "Celebration of the Arts" exhibit at the Dixie and an annual scholarship program. 

Looking ahead, the organization is planning a new spring production for 2027 and is actively working to broaden its reach beyond McKenzie. "We find that we have a lot of participation in McKenzie, but we aren't able to reach out to the rest of Carroll County," Armpriest noted, emphasizing the group's desire to foster county-wide involvement. 

To support this expansion, Carroll Arts has launched its first major fundraiser in years. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization is offering various sponsorship tiers for donors, including banner displays and program advertisements. 

The meeting also highlighted the organization's collaborative spirit. Sam noted that the camp relies on a mix of certified teachers and talented students from Bethel University—a connection that resonates with the local community, including recent Bethel alumni like Devan Raymer, who has been active in local leadership and honors events. 

The organization’s next major event, "An Evening with Carroll Arts," is scheduled for June 20. For more information on upcoming programs or to support the organization’s expansion efforts, residents are encouraged to connect with Carroll Arts through their active social media presence.