Art Barn

The Art Barn - Organizational Background

Review of the Arts at Montgomery County Community College

Montgomery County Community College has long recognized the need to prepare talented students for careers in the arts as well as to provide cultural opportunities for students and the community. We are sustaining the arts for our region in two ways. The College's facilities support art instruction for a growing number of students interested in this field, both those pursuing an associates degree or certificate, and those local residents interested in art courses through the College's continuing education division. The Associate in Fine Art program is the college's second most enrolled degree program,and the A.A.S. Digital Design program (Associates - Applied Sciences) is the highest enrolled applied degree program. Total student enrollment in the two programs has grown consistently.

Through our Office of Cultural Affairs and the work of outstanding faculty members, Montgomery County Community College has also become a cultural destination for Montgomery County residents, with an award-winning schedule of cultural events for those who prefer not to always travel into Philadelphia for an arts experience. Almost 20,000 residents attend College-sponsored cultural programs each year. These programs augment the instructional program and also provide the surrounding community with a stimulating array of cultural programming not otherwise locally available. The College is also creating programming that highlights the unique cultural history and contributions of Montgomery County.

These programs include:

  • The Lively Arts Series of music, dance and theater by world-renowned performers and lecturers
     
  • An annual Writers' Club Conference that has presented writers like Joyce Carol Oates, John Updike, Lisa Scottoline,Tim O'Brien and Norman Mailer
     
  • The Multiple Choice Art Gallery at the Central Campusoffering exhibit opportunities for regional artists
     
  • The new art gallery at the West Campus in Pottstown
     
  • The Choral Society of Montgomery County in residence at the College
     
  • The Annual Betzwood Silent Film Festival and the Betzwood Film Archive
     
  • The Annual Community Day in Blue Bell and the Annual Riverfront Art Festival in Pottstown (co-sponsorship)
     
  • The Annual International Film Festival
     
As College President Dr. Karen Stout said in the 2005 Annual Report, "We take great pride in the many ways in which we contribute to the common good of our local communities and beyond. Ours is a common future built on the opportunities and resources we can provide each other, to shape a future that we will all share." One of the major goals of the College's strategic plan is to further position the College as an educational leader and resource that is at the center of our community. We believe that College-sponsored cultural programming is one way to do this.