SINCE 1984

The Sager Creek Arts Center, incorporated in 1984, is housed in the old Methodist Sanctuary, well-known for its stained glass windows. It is located off Broadway across from the Twin Springs Park, one of the three parks that line the meandering Sager Creek downtown Siloam Springs. The Center is wheelchair friendly.

History

The Sager Creek Arts Center was established in 1984 through the efforts of individuals, who formed the Sager Creek Arts Association to provide access to the arts for area citizens. The overall mission of the organization is to facilitate the enjoyment of the arts in literature, theatre, visual arts, music and dance through participation, education and active involvement of the community and surrounding area.

The Arts Center negotiated a 25-year lease (expires 2019) to occupy the old sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church. The church, which is on the National Register of Historic Buildings, was built in 1921 and is renowned for its stained glass windows. The church is situated in downtown Siloam Springs across from the Twin Springs Park, along the meandering Sager Creek.

During the past three years an average of 10,000 people annually have enjoyed the activities of the Arts Center. While the majority of these participants come from the Siloam Springs community and Benton County, patrons also come from surrounding counties in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri and further afield.

The Arts Center is managed by an Executive Director (paid position), a 16-member board of directors, and numerous volunteers. Five major committees (Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Music/Dance and Youth Activities) and the director schedule the events.

Input from the community is obtained through networking of the board of directors and arts center members, who are involved in civic clubs, other non-profit organizations and through contacts at their work. With this involvement, the Arts Center offers a wide variety of cultural events and experiences that promote the arts and provide affordable, quality entertainment for area residents and visitors.

Events Offered

Community theatre productions (including musicals and dinner theatre)
Art workshops, competitions and exhibits
Instrumental and choral concerts
Creative writing workshops and competitions
Theatre/music workshops for youth and youth stage productions
Throughout the year, the Arts Center brings professionals to work with those involved. Art competitions are judged by professional artists, and an Arkansas Arts Council Artist-in-Residence will be working this summer's youth theatre.

Support

The Sager Creek Arts Center is a non-profit volunteer organization. The Center is supported by memberships; admission fees; donations; grants by the United Way of Benton County; the Roy Chesney Foundation of Siloam Springs; The City of Siloam Springs, the general operating support by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and the National Endowment for the Arts; and by underwriting of events by corporate and private sponsors.