The Thornapple Arts Council of Barry County was founded in November 1985 by Sue Drummond with help from John Fehsenfeld and many generous supporters behind the scenes. 37 years later, Thornapple Arts Council members, volunteers, and staff maintain their vision to spark creativity, community, and culture through programs and education that bring personal enrichment and quality of life to Barry County residents.
The Thornapple Arts Council was a completely volunteer organization until the fall of 1998 when the first part-time managing director was hired. Today TAC has two staff members with continued volunteer community support.
Recent News
Summer at HCMS
Registration is open for summer classes at the Hastings Community Music School! This term, HCMS is offering lessons in cello, flute, guitar, percussion, piano, trumpet, viola, violin, and voice. Click the photo above to learn more.
Exhibition on Display
The Barry County Artists Exhibition is on display now at Historic Charlton Park! Stop by now through July 16th to see the exhibition, and stay for one of Charlton’s Park’s great summertime activities.
The Fair Ground Festival
Tickets are on sale now for the Fair Ground Festival! Featuring The Accidentals, Joseph, The Crane Wives, and more, this new annual concert comes to the Barry Expo Center on August 27th.
Raffle for HCMS
Win a handcrafted quilt made at a series of free community quilting workshops led by local talent Jonah Evans. Funds raised through raffle ticket sales will support scholarships at the Hastings Community Music School. Tickets are on sale now!
May at TAC
The May newsletter is here! This month’s issue features information on Arts and Eats applications, the Barry County Artists Exhibition, and more.
Beyond Ukraine
Today marks one year since we began telling the story of Natasha, a Ukrainian woman living in Southwest Michigan during the early days of the Russian invasion. In this new five-part series, we reflect on how that interview sparked a desire within our organization to push the boundaries of art, culture, and our community, and […]
Barry County Coloring Book
Dig out your drawing pencils — a new community art project from the Thornapple Arts Council and the Barry County Tourism Council is here! Write a love letter to your community by contributing to the Barry County Coloring Book, a project highlighting historic and cultural sites in our area.
