Over 100 members of the community turned out for the Arts Around the Square to support Cuthbert’s local artists and students. Art exhibits in two historic buildings downtown abounded with the artwork of faculty, students, local artists, and visiting artists. Historical information on each of the buildings around the Square was printed on canvases and displayed in the storefronts. Amazingly, many of the merchants were unaware of the historical significance of their property and were so appreciative of our efforts that they agreed to keep the displays up on a permanent basis. Other downtown property owners off the Square have asked that we do the same for them, and we are including those as an addition to this project.

A couple of weeks before the Arts Festival, Andrew College provided a dinner-theatre interactive murder mystery in two locations on the Square, entitled “Murder on the Square.” This production gave the community a firsthand insight to the enjoyment of the arts in a community setting, acting as a catalyst for building community interest in the Arts Around the Square festival.

As we grow our presence within the community with a focus on promoting the Fine Arts, Andrew College is quickly becoming an economic driver for downtown revitalization. Our community and visitors at all age levels are able to learn more about our history while being positively influenced by the world of art.