Our Story
In the early 1980s, art education in local public elementary schools faced elimination due to funding issues, leaving a significant gap in access to the arts. Recognizing the vital role of arts and culture in education, Bill Richards, a member of the St. John’s Public School Board of Education, initiated a database of retired local artists willing to volunteer their time to teach art to elementary students. This grassroots effort highlighted the community's need for enhanced resources and access to art programming, leading to the establishment of the Clinton County Arts Council in 1986 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For over 30 years, the Council has served as a bridge between arts and cultural organizations and the community, fostering individual creativity, cultural preservation, and lifelong learning through the arts.