Pictured (from left) is John Bartimole and Mikel Wintermantel. Submitted Photo.

The Tri-County Arts Council (TCAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Bartimole and Mikel Wintermantel to the helm as the new interim executive co-directors. The new venue at 110 W. State Street in Olean, opened to rave reviews this past year, and now new leadership will steer the arts council in an exciting direction.

Wintermantel, a nationally recognized Copley Master artist and unwavering supporter of the regional arts scene, has been an integral part of the Arts Council since its inception. He is a local businessman who has been in partnership with his brothers at Studio 4 East Screenprinting for more than 40 years.

Bartimole brings years of experience in a variety of leadership and consulting roles for regional organizations and institutions. He is also a past recipient of the LOUIE Award, the area’s highest honor for outstanding service to the community.

The new focus of the Arts Council will be growing the artist and community aspects of the organization, as well as expanding market and granting opportunities for artists and arts groups. A return of popular events like the 5×7 Art for Everyone and gallery receptions will welcome the community to join the fun. Artist roundtables and informal meetings, free marketing and grant workshops, and more are on also the agenda.

The Art Market and gallery hours will be expanded to provide convenient community access to view rotating shows, purchase and collect local art. A robust volunteer pool will be sought for those interested in being surrounded by creative people and an open-minded atmosphere. Call 372-7455 or email info@myartscouncil.net to volunteer or submit artwork on consignment.

Establishing and nurturing a collaborative relationship with other creative organizations in the region will be paramount. To achieve this goal, TCAC is instituting office hours in Chautauqua and Allegany counties to better reach and serve artists outside the immediate Olean area. Additionally, the internet presence of TCAC will be expanded and focused to connect the area arts scene to the robust, international art world happening online.

The Southern Tier has a vibrant, incredibly talented arts community, and TCAC is poised to become the epicenter of that creative force by offering a friendly, welcoming arts center for a variety of activities and arts programming for all ages.

The Tri-County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served Cattaraugus, Allegany and Chautauqua counties for more than 20 years with quality arts programs and services. TCAC is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts and by members and donors. For more information, visit www.myartscouncil.net.