Whitewater Valley Arts Association promotes monthly exhibits and downtown art stroll

Carol Hathaway, president of the Whitewater Valley Arts Association, told the Healthy Fayette County audience that the association hosts monthly rotating exhibits (new show every second Friday), an elementary art show each February and a high school show in March with cash prizes for seniors. "We have it for a month ... we had over 300 people come for that evening," Hathaway said of a recent opening.

Hathaway described outreach to schools to increase student participation, and told the superintendent she would follow up to ensure teachers received October mailings about the elementary show. The gallery is free and the opening receptions typically run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The association coordinates a downtown art stroll with live performances and family activities. Hathaway and the moderator listed scheduled performers and highlights: "Cabin Air Lift" at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Crossroads Brass Band at 7:30 p.m.; sidewalk chalk and youth‑oriented activities will emphasize children and families. Hathaway noted the association has been at its downtown corner location "10 years now almost" and the organization will mark nearly 65 years next year.

The discussion also touched on local traditions connected to arts programming, including an upcoming butterscotch pie contest with separate professional and home categories and a Connersville native serving as a judge.

Hathaway framed arts participation as part of community health and youth development, saying creative activities promote engagement for students who may not be reached by traditional academics. The program included an invitation for families to attend the art stroll and gallery openings; no admission fee or formal registration was mentioned on the program.