Fine Arts Association is making a comeback, but they need your help

In early February of 2020, none of us had any idea that life would soon change forever due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Very soon, businesses would be disrupted, church pews would empty, and schools would send students home to learn via e-mail and Zoom conference calls.

Another disruption caused by the pandemic was the cancellation of fine arts shows all over the globe, including right here at home. The Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky was in its 58th season in 2019-2020. The American Spiritual Ensemble had performed at First Baptist Church of Corbin on February 6. Little did the Association know, however, that it would not present another show in 2020, 2021, or in 2022.

If you are familiar with the Fine Arts Association and all of the great work they have done over the years in bringing first-class concerts and shows to our area, then you know how heartbreaking it has been to not see any scheduled events on the calendar for going on three years now.

There is finally some good news to report, though.

Last week, the Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky held a meeting at Gibson’s Music in downtown Corbin to discuss ongoing efforts to revive the group and once again start bringing talented performers into the tri-county area. It was clear that much more work still needs to be done in order to get back to pre-pandemic form, but I was very impressed with the enthusiasm of all in attendance.

At the meeting, budgets from the years 2014 and 2015 were re-visited. It was determined that it would take anywhere from 80-to-100 thousand dollars to produce a full season of Fine Arts shows. That is a lot of money…

The good news is that efforts are already underway to raise funds for an abbreviated season in the spring of 2023, and hopefully a full season beginning in the fall of 2023. The not-so-good news is that there is still a long way to go. At the meeting, it was determined that close to 18 thousand dollars had been pledged so far, with just over 12 thousand actually having been collected.

Like I said, there is still much more work to be done.

No shows have been officially announced yet, but I heard some of the artists that were discussed at the meeting, and trust me when I say that everyone involved is taking very seriously the task of bringing to this community the very best in music, singing, dance and theater.

Perhaps you have attended a Fine Arts show or two in the past. If not, chances are you have at least heard about one. The previously mentioned concert at First Baptist Corbin is just one of many, many examples. There have also been several great shows presented at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Union College in Barbourville, and Corbin High School’s Betty Hamilton Center for the Performing Arts.

Personally, I will never forget my wife and I taking our son to see the Lexington Ballet and the Gail Frederick School of Dance present the Nutcracker inside the Corbin Middle School gymnasium back in December of 2018. I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to see that show again at some point in the near future.

In order make that happen, the Association needs the help of those in our local communities who value the arts, and who are willing to open up their pocketbooks in order to become supporters. I was hoping to have a little more information on how exactly to do that, but what I can do is direct you to the Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky’s official website – www.fineartsseky.org. It is my understanding that additional information should be available there soon.

In the meantime, donations can be made in the form of a check and mailed to PO Box 2 in Williamsburg, KY 40769.

I hope to be able to report back with news of positive developments as it pertains to the Fine Arts Association soon. If anyone has any questions regarding Fine Arts, feel free to email me at tsherman@corbinnewsjournal.com. I would be happy to forward any messages along to the appropriate person(s).