By Dave Azwell
With a vision to encourage, cultivate and support the fine arts in Osage City and the surrounding area, the Osage City Area Arts Council has provided programs of high quality which have included theater, visual, literary and performing arts.
Now in its 12th year, the arts council has presented such events as the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, pianist Julie Rivers, the Capitol City Chorus, the Lecompton Reenactors, cowboy storytellers, Western singers, art exhibitions, and annual free concerts by the Army National Guard Band. (Note that the Guard Band will perform this year at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, in the OCHS auditorium, 5th and Ellinwood. The concert is open to the public.)
OCAAC has made many contributions to fund educational programming for the students of Osage City public schools. The arts council has provided funding for high school plays, educational performers and workshops. OCAAC has also helped fund children’s programming organized by the Osage City Public Library. The variety of presentations has encompassed a wide range of ages and interests.
Funding for the arts council is through ticket sales, donations and memberships. Admission is by free will donations for most of the performances, which are always open to the public. Single, family and corporate memberships are available. More information on memberships and a complete listing of current and past programs are available at www.osagecityarts.org.
Over the years, the arts council has worked with several members of the Osage City Chamber of Commerce to provide events and activities. Being a member of the Chamber provides arts council members the opportunity to meet people involved in growing Osage City, know what’s happening, and gain insights into the business sector and community. The Chamber strives to make Osage City a first-rate city, which is what the arts council attempts to do with its programming.