College, Arts Council Partner on Frank Creech Art Gallery
Published: November 13, 2015
First exhibit is scheduled for January.
Johnston Community College is pleased to announce a partnership with the Johnston County Arts Council (JCAC) for the operation of the Frank Creech Art Gallery.
To foster and enhance art experiences in the gallery, the JCAC will offer four gallery exhibits a year for the citizens of Johnston County and surrounding areas. The college retains ownership and will provide upkeep, security, and utilities to the gallery.
Named for the late artist Frank Creech of Smithfield who spent more than two decades teaching at JCC, the gallery debuted on the main campus in December 2010. The opening marked the culmination of a community effort to recognize the late artist's contributions to arts programs at the college, in Johnston County, and beyond.
The 1,500-square-foot gallery was a collaborative project among the JCC Foundation, fine arts and graphic design faculty and students at the college.
During the past five years, the college has scheduled various regional art exhibits and used the space to showcase student art and host college events and receptions. With the collaboration of JCAC, the college believes the gallery will be able to attract greater local, regional, and national art interests.
"We are so excited about our partnership with the Johnston County Arts Council," said David Johnson, JCC president. "The gallery named in memory of the renowned artist and sculptor Frank Creech has always had a special meaning for JCC and Johnston County. We are hopeful by working with the JCAC we will take the gallery to new heights as an art destination for our community."
Darlene Williford, executive director of the JCAC, said the Arts Council is excited about the partnership and the gallery's future.
"The Johnston County Arts Council is honored to contribute to the building of this valuable partnership with Johnston Community College," she said. "The Frank Creech Gallery is a remarkable space for displaying artwork, hosting receptions, and offering educational opportunities. JCAC will work diligently to make this state-of-the-art gallery an exciting place for artists to exhibit and visitors to enjoy."
The Johnston County Arts Council is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment of the Arts. The JCAC funds arts programs and projects throughout the county and promotes local artists and art activities for the public.
The first gallery exhibit is being planned for January.
Cut line: Dr. David Johnson, JCC president, and Darlene Williford, executive director of the Johnston County Arts Council, sign a partnership agreement for the operation of the Frank Creech Art Gallery. The Arts Council's first exhibit in the gallery is planned to debut in January.