On Sept. 2, Brandi Engeman, Executive Director of the Los Alamos Arts Council gave a presentation to the Kiwanis Club outlining the history, function, and activities of the organization and its contributions to the cultural enrichment of the community.

The Arts Council was founded in 1967, serving Los Alamos County and neighbors by providing community programs and events, art classes for all ages, and managing a gallery for hosting juried exhibits and providing a retail shop for artist consignments.

Engeman joined the Arts Council in 2021 when all businesses and nonprofits were coping with the economic and societal effects of the Covid pandemic. Her challenge and goals were to renovate the management of the gallery in order to operate it more professionally and to improve the support given to local artists. They currently represent 120 artists, including 9 artists under 20 years old. Engeman admitted a special joy in seeing the youth artists bring in their work and make their first sale.

The Council has instituted a new model for their classroom activities, which run throughout the year. They run the popular After School programs and a children’s Summer Camp. The adult classes include wheel throwing, 2D art, seasonal crafts, and a variety of multimedia painting classes.

The programs hosted by the council are both fun and enthusiastically supported by the community. They include the Kite Festival in the spring, the Halloween Pumpkin Glow, the Children’s Theater, and the Literary Festival that brings in authors to talk about their work. The Los Alamos Arts Council, like most nonprofits in these uncertain economic times, is facing rising costs and declining sales and enrollments.

Donations are always welcome and can be made at their website at www.losalamosartscouncil.org.