Newcomerstown’s Arts Center Continues to Make Huge Impact 

ARTSNCT, Arts Center of Newcomerstown, brings the community together in more ways than one. 

The center, a Veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit, opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting in June 2018 and quickly developed into not only a viable arts center, but also a warm and inviting community center for local organizations and individuals to gather. 

The arts center is open to all ages of the general public but focuses many of its programs on area youth in grades K-12.  

Michael Wise, ARTSNCT’s Executive Director, said that one of the main goals of the center is to expose locals to a wide range of art, music, and theatre. Wise said that he hopes that the diverse range of programs will inspire an abundance of creativity and imagination. 

One program offered to the children is IMAGINATION – Outside the Lines, an arts and crafts club that is offered FREE to all students in grades K-12 every Saturday at the arts center. A version of the club has also been a popular part of West Elementary School’s L.E.A.D. program since the 2018-2019 school year. 

Two additional programs, Adventures with Photography, and Fun with Drawing and Painting are also offered free of charge to the students and are headed by local artists and volunteers from Tuscarawas Area Photographic Association and Coshocton Artists Cooperative. 

ARTSNCT also has its own theatre group, the Not Your Average Theatre Group, which is open to adults and children of all ages who have an interest in being onstage or behind the scenes. 

Also featured are monthly art and photography exhibits; a monthly community game show; an annual Pizza Box Art Contest; an annual National Piano Day celebration; and the center has firmly established the prestigious and coveted Manuel Yingling Music Award. 

Since opening, the arts center has partnered with local schools, Little Theatre Original Productions, and other local organizations and artists to bring quality programs and events to the area. 

ARTSNCT offers various classes, workshops, seminars, and instruction to those wanting to hone their artistic skills. The center attempts to offer fun and educational experiences at minimum to no cost. 

~ Article from the Newcomerstown Guide, 2021