The Kenan Arts Council (KAC) is the oldest of the Center’s volunteer groups. It was formed in 1970 to provide volunteer service to the Kenan Center, assist in fundraising activities, and help promote art education and cultural activities in the community. The KAC meets in the Kenan Center House on the second Tuesday of each month, September and October, and January through May. Guest speakers and special programs are a part of each meeting.
The focus in November is the annual Holiday Gift Show held the weekend preceeding Thanksgiving. The juried show features artisans from across Western New York and a cafe in the Greenhouse. With the proceeds from the Gift Show and the 100 American Craftsmen Lemonade and Brownie Stand, the Council grants three college scholarships to area high school students, and also funds special projects, equipment enhancements, and the Family Performance Series at the Kenan Center.
Workshops
The Kenan Arts Council presents monthly programs that are free and open to the public and start at 11:15 am unless otherwise noted. All programs take place following their monthly meetings, the second Tuesday of each month, in September and October; January-April,in the Kenan Center Taylor Theater Meeting Room, located behind the main Kenan House at 433 Locust Street. Ample free parking is available behind the theater.
Applying to the Kenan Arts Council Holiday Gift Show
If you’re interested in applying to the show, you must return an application along with a jurying fee, and be able to attend a one-day in-person jurying. Applications are typically available in early spring. New applicants are required to jury in person. (See the application for details.) To be added to mailing list for future shows, call or email us at info@kenancenter.org and ask to be added to the application list.
Scholarship
The KAC Scholarship is only for students intending to major in fine art, design, theater, dance, or music. The KAC scholarships applications are due March 31. Click here for more information and to download the scholarship form. Please note the due date is March 31 2024.