What to expect from ARTSNCT

As an alliance of the arts, the mission of ARTSNCT is to actively support and promote the education of the arts through training, performance, exhibition, publication, and other means possible.

ARTSNCT - Arts Center of Newcomerstown, is a Veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing all forms of visual and performing arts to Newcomerstown and the surrounding tri-county area. The center is 100% volunteer operated and managed and supported by private donations.

100% of ALL PROCEEDS go to support our programs and ensure the success of ARTSNCT for our youth and for our community.

JANUARY

Performing Arts Productions

(January – December) – When available, ARTSNCT provides free entertainment to the local senior citizens center, nursing homes, schools, churches, and meetings & banquets of community organizations. This gives artists and performers an opportunity to gain valuable experience in front of a live audience that will aid in developing their skills, talent, and creativity. ARTSNCT also produces 3-4 full length plays or musical productions each year that are presented to the local community by its own theatre group, the Not Your Average Theatre Group.

Adventures with Photography

(January – December) - ARTSNCT offers various photography programs that provide instruction and hands-on experience. The photography group is assigned goals and then travels together while taking photos of architecture, animals, flowers, the moon, etc. Finished prints are then put on exhibit for public viewing.

Gallery and Exhibition Space

(January – December) - ARTSNCT exhibits and aids artists in the sales of their works. Ohio artists, as well as local artists are represented by ARTSNCT in many mediums.

FEBRUARY

Annual Valentine Celebration and Party

An event to Inspire the creation and design of artistic Valentine cards, boxes, poetry, paintings, and photos through instructional workshops and creative interaction. The celebration concludes with a fundraiser party where the artwork is presented.

MARCH

Arts in Our Schools Month

ARTSNCT coordinates, promotes, and provides a number of instructional and performance programs in art, music, dance, and theatre. ARTSNCT will work with the public schools to help promote their various arts programs and events.

APRIL

Annual Easter Bonnet Contest and Promenade

A whimsical Easter bonnet design and creation contest is followed by a grand promenade to inspire imagination and creativity in youth and adults alike. Amateur photographers are instructed in photo shoots that present the bonnets in print and publication.

MAY

National Photography Month

ARTSNCT coordinates, promotes, and provides a number of programs, including photography instruction and exhibition.

Annual May Day Festival

A celebration of Spring with a Kite Making and Flying Contest. It inspires the design and construction of beautifully artistic and functional kites. Amateur photographers are instructed in photo shoots that present the kites in print and publication. The festival includes a traditional 'May Pole' dance.

JUNE

Free Summer Concerts

(June-September) – Indoor and outdoor concerts arranged with local musicians and performers are open to the public at no cost.

ARTSNCT Summer Arts Camp

An annual two-week day camp to educate and inspire youth about the visual and performing arts. The end of the camp culminates at the time of the local Cy Young Days Festival where the youth have an opportunity to exhibit their art or perform.

Cy Young Days Festival

ARTSNCT volunteers at this annual community festival that is organized by the Cy Young Days Committee and the Newcomerstown Chamber of Commerce. The event celebrates the life of Newcomerstown's famous son, Denton True 'Cy' Young. ARTSNCT commands the stage entertainment with bookings, scheduling, and providing a venue for local artists to hone valuable performance skills in front of a live audience.

Annual Awards and Recognition

An annual awards ceremony and banquet to present various ARTSNCT awards:

• The Manuel Yingling Music Award

Presented annually for Superior Musicianship and Outstanding Dedication. Nominations are submitted by the end of April each year by peers, teachers, clergy or other arts and education professionals. Both, graduating high school seniors and local adults are eligible to receive this honor. Winners are chosen with regard to performance skills, musical participation in groups and events, community involvement, and the selfless sharing and promotion of music through volunteerism.

• ARTSNCT Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented to a native Newcomerstonian for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. Nominations are submitted by the end of April each year. Honorees for this award must have been born in Newcomerstown or spent a large percentage of their life promoting the arts and education in the Newcomerstown area.

• ARTSNCT’s ‘Newkie’ Awards

Set to be a highly coveted award with a whimsical name (from Newkietown) are for excellence in performing arts. Awards in various categories will be presented to participants (without age restriction) in local productions presented by the local school system, Newcomerstown Historical Society, local churches and other community organizations, as well as ARTSNCT.

JULY

Independence Day

A special 4th of July celebration highlighted with the presentation of patriotic art and music.

AUGUST

Gateway to Fall Festival

ARTSNCT volunteers at this annual community festival that is organized by the Thomas L. Little Foundation to fund scholarships for local students and assist needy families. ARTSNCT commands the stage entertainment with bookings, scheduling, and providing a venue for local artists to hone valuable performance skills in front of a live audience.

SEPTEMBER

Arts in Education Week

ARTSNCT coordinates, promotes, and provides a number of programs in art, music, dance, and theatre in cooperation with local schools.

OCTOBER

National Arts and Humanities Month

ARTSNCT coordinates, promotes, and provides a number of programs in art, music, dance, and theatre.

Manuel Yingling Day

Executive Director, Michael Wise, established the annual event in October of 2016 when he requested that the mayor proclaim October 24 as Manuel Yingling Day in honor of local born Manuel Yingling who was a featured trombonist in John Philip Sousa's band and a noted composer. Michael was editor of the Newcomerstown News at the time and added Manuel Yingling's name to the newspaper's masthead along side of Cy Young and Woody Hayes. ARTSNCT has organized special program celebrations with the public library and local historical society and will continue to expand the celebration each year.

Annual Complimentary Halloween Costume Photos

A festive event for youth and adults alike to inspire imaginative and creative costume and makeup design, as well as creative photography and filmmaking.

NOVEMBER

National Recycling Week and America Recycles Day

Emphasis is placed on the creation of objects of art made with reclaimed and repurposed items.

DECEMBER

Newcomerstown's Twelve Days of Christmas Spectacular

ARTSNCT organizes, schedules, promotes, and produces twelve days of various holiday programs and events with the cooperation of the village, local schools, churches, and community organizations. The twelve events consist of art, music, and performance events such as holiday concerts, parades, pageants, plays, art and design of holiday decorations ... and Santa. All events are open to the public and promote the arts with a hometown holiday spirit. It is hoped that this will ontinue as an annual event that will bring tourism to the village and create cherished memories for youth and adults alike.

Annual Paint the Town Festive

ARTSNCT recognizes individuals and businesses with prizes for dazzling and artistic displays of trees and lights, featuring the community Christmas tree adorned with an abundance of beautiful handmade ornaments and decorations.