who we are
T
he Union County Community Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead, cultivate, and promote the arts as an essential component of community life and education. We believe that by creating and supporting opportunities for Union County residents to create, perform, or attend arts activities, we are enhancing the education and quality of life aspects of our community members.
Meet Those Behind Our Mission
Our Mission
The mission of the Union County Community Arts Council began in 1980 by four area businessmen; John Ashcraft, Jim Barnett, Koy Dawkins, and Ben Helms, for the purpose of creating an organization whose mission would enhance the quality of life in Union County. This mission continues today by serving the people of Union County, promoting the arts as an essential component of community life. The council’s roots included the Union County Playmakers and the first annual Blooming Arts Festival in downtown Monroe. Since incorporation, the Union County Community Arts Council has with worked with thousands of volunteers who continue to believe in the cultural arts programs and services to the council.
- increasing the participation in and the awareness and appreciation of the arts
- to serve as a cultural planner and resource agency for the citizens of Union County
- developing programming and services to meet the needs of our community
- providing financial assistance to non-profit arts organizations and individuals and encourage arts in Union County
Board Of Directors
Michelle Lancaster, President
Executive Director
Julia’s Community
michelle@julias.community
Derek Skinner, President Elect
Truist
Derek.Skinner@Truist.com
Matthew Stewart, Treasurer
J.P. Morgan Chase
Matthew.P.Stewart@JPMorgan.com
Ron Hinson, Secretary
Hinson Electric
rhinson@hinsonelectricinc.com
Amy Jackson, Past President
Wingate University
a.jackson@wingate.edu
Dr. Paul D’Amico
Atrium Health
paul.damico@atriumhealth.org
Ernest Collins
ecollinsadmail.com
Julie Helms
Helms Heating & Air
juliehelms@helmsheating.com
Phillip Faust
Union County Chamber of Commerce
phillip@unioncountycoc.com
Patrick Niland
Assistant County Manager, Union County
Patrick.Niland@unioncountync.gov
Tracy Price
meersp@aol.com
Candice Sturdivant
candicesturdivant@aol.com
Martha Wegner
martha.wegner@duke-energy.com
Ex-officio Board Of Directors
Carl Bishop
South Piedmont Community College
cbishop@spcc.edu
Patrick Niland
Union County Government
Assistant County Manager