An individual Kenan Center Membership is only $15 when you become a member of any of our Affiliate Groups. Call us at 433-2617 for details.
Kenan Arts Council
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 April. Guest speakers and special programs are a part of each meeting.
The focus in November is the annual Holiday Gift Show held the weekend before Thanksgiving. The two and a half day juried show features artisans from across Western New York, Goody Booth, Gifts from the Garden, Quilt Raffle, and Onstage Cafe. 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, as well as providing support to the Kenan Center. See below for information on applying to the Holiday Gift Show. Please call 433-2617 for additional information.
Kenan Arts Council Scholarships
The Kenan Arts Council annually awards two college scholarships of $1,000 each to eastern Niagara County high school students pursuing degrees in art, dance, design, theater, or music. Applicants must meet high academic standards with a minimum high school average of 80%, and be involved in extracurricular and community activities. Applications are distributed through school guidance offices in Barker, Niagara Wheatfield, Royalton-Hartland, Starpoint, Lockport, Newfane, and Wilson, and the music, theater, and art departments of these schools.
Kenan Arts Council Programs
The Kenan Arts Council presents monthly programs that are free and open to the public and start at 12:15 pm 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.
Kenan Quilters’ Guild
The goal of the Kenan Quilters’ Guild is to preserve and promote the art of quilting. The group aims to enhance the art of quilting by sharing ideas, expertise, and fellowship among members. The Quilters’ Guild supports the Kenan Center by making an Opportunity Quilt each year, presenting a biennial Quilt Show in the Kenan Arena, and presenting other quilt-related programs and events throughout the community. Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Taylor Theater Meeting Room and includes a program. Non-members are welcome to attend. Workshops are scheduled monthly on Saturdays and run from 9 am to 3 pm. Guild Members are given first consideration. Membership is $15 per year which includes a Guild newsletter. For more information, contact the Guild at kqgquiltshow@gmail.com or visit their website at www.kenanquiltersguild.org. They also have a presence on Facebook and Instagram.
Friends of the Kenan Herb Club
The Friends of the Kenan Herb Club was established in 1985. From its inception, the Club has offered a full range of programs and activities geared to those interested in herbal living. Workshops focus on a variety of herb-related subjects from culinary usage to herbal gift making. Members also enjoy tours to members’ gardens, businesses and educational facilities featuring herbal products and interests.
Club members work together for the Annual Spring Herb Plant Sale held during 100 American Craftsmen held at the Kenan Arena on Saturday of the event, from 10 AM-3 PM. They are also involved with the planting and maintenance of the Center’s herb garden.
Membership is $15.00 per year and includes a subscription to The Herbal Herald, the Club’s newsletter. For more information, contact the Kenan Center Business Office at (716) 433-2617.