By Rhys Baker

The Clay County Arts Council is gearing up for its 2024-2025 season, with its first program just a month away on September 28. The First Infantry Division Band will perform in the annual Piotique Parade in Clay Center. In addition to performances, Clay County Arts Council President Michelle Gillard says the council is also adding a unique work of art to the community this year, “We’ve got a mural co-sponsorship that will be painted by artist Tracey Lebo, who is local to Clay Center. There’s no exact date, and that’s not a specific program, but it will occur in October.”

Upcoming performances include Revelation, a Journey tribute band from Kansas City; Ben Taddiken, a Florida musician originally from Clay Center; a holiday concert with Cloverton, a band originally from Manhattan; and a second holiday concert that includes performers from the Kansas City area. Gillard says, “I am most excited for our December 7th program because we are bringing in Resound, a handbell ensemble from Kansas City. I have a personal connection to them; one of their members is a long-time family friend. We were lucky to snag one of their performance dates.”

Memberships for The Clay County Arts Council will go on sale in September. The group is funded entirely by donations. Membership donation suggestions are $30 for a single membership and $50 for a family membership. The Cloverton concert will be free, and student admissions are free to any Clay County Arts Council Event.