The Arts Council of Dickinson County has a variety of programs that focus on Education, Visual Arts, Literary Arts and Music.  There are many ways to learn, participate and become involved. Take a class, enjoy a concert, volunteer to help with children's programs!

 

EDUCATION
Summer Strings Group Violin Lessons - offered for five weeks in the summer, these classes are for youth beginners. Classes are for students ages 4-5 and ages 6-12.

Chaffee-Bradshaw Summer Art Classes - Held annually for three weeks, these classes are designed for students 4th through 12th grades and teach drawing, painting and other fine arts disciplines.

ABC After School Program K-5 grade - Engaging art projects four days a week for Kindergarten trough 5th grade students in Abilene Schools USD #435.

Artist-In-Residence - The Arts Council annually sponsors an artist-in-residence program that brings professional musicians, artists, writers and performers into county schools for a performance and in-depth workshops

Adult Classes - Classes scheduled throughout the year for adults includes various arts topics and often include regional art-seeking field trips

Art History and Art Instruction Library - A wide variety of books and resources covering art history and art theories and practices. Books are available for check out to any person
Music Together - Hands-on introduction to music for children ages zero to five and their parents, in partnership with Abilene, Chapman, Herington and Hope schools Parents As Teachers programs
Senior Citizen Arts Classes - gear towards beginning artists over age 62 and held annually, courses vary from drawing to painting and more
 

Picture Person - Founded in 1984, Picture Person volunteers provide art history education to all Dickinson County elementary classrooms.

VISUAL ARTS

    Art Exhibits in the Community

    Photography Competition and Exhibition - held each spring; open to any amateur photographer in Dickinson County

    Arts Council Office Displays - monthly rotating exhibits of local and regional artists

    Artist Solo Exhibitions

    Artist Group Exhibitions

   

FILM SERIES

Independent American and International films shown monthly at the First United Methodist Church. Films are shown at 2:00 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, except for December. There is no admission charge to attend. Lively discussions follow each film.

 

CONCERT SERIES
Blue Moon Concert Series - Annual series of concerts that bring in professional musicians from outside Dickinson County. This series kicks off late fall.

Winter Concert Series - Annual series of concerts that feature musicians from  Dickinson County. This series kicks off early winter.
 

OTHER FUN ARTS ACTIVITIES
ARTic Express - Annual Train Ride on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad held the 2nd Saturday each November. For children and the adults who love them.  Stories by the Abilene Children's Library, crafts, entertainment and more.
Santa's Workshop - Held the first Saturday in December in conjunction with the Abilene Downtown Association's "Evening of Christmas Magic," holiday craft projects and face painting for kids
Sidewalk Chalk Contest - held in July in conjunction with Abilene Downtown Association's "A Midsummer's Night Dream"