Lebanon arts group restarts and looks to future

The Warren County arts organization struck low by its director’s embezzlement is back in business as ArtScape Lebanon.

The nonprofit known most recently as the Arts Council of Lebanon has reorganized under the new name and with a new board.

” The organization’s collaborative focus will be on unifying and empowering our community through art,” according to a press release issued Friday.

The new group plans to offer visual and performance art in collaboration with other nonprofits and area businesses.

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“Future plans are centered around weaving art into the fabric of our community by providing multi-generational opportunities that expand access to creative practices and expression. Inspiring artists of all generations to create and display their work,” according to the release.

The new board of directors include Chairperson Donna Pennock, along with Shannon Hillard, Ty Ball, Emily Pennekamp, Abby Hanser, Amanda Arias and Kristin Davenport.

Lebanon Mayor Amy Brewer and Kent Savage, CEO at Blue Loop Capital in Mason, are serving in an advisory capacity.

The Warren County Arts Council was formed in 2002 and in 2016 the group reorganized as the Arts Council of Lebanon.

Last October, Rochelle Collins was granted intervention in lieu of conviction for theft of $6,865 from the group’s account while serving as the chief executive officer from March 2018 to February 2019.

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The diversion was granted in expectation Collins would make full restitution.

The new board had been meeting for the past several months to plan the new beginning in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“ArtScape Lebanon is proud to relaunch our nonprofit organization to inspire our neighbors in the city of Lebanon,” Pennock said in the release. “We look forward to helping Lebanon stay creative during the pandemic, and we will expand our offerings to the community, after it is safe to gather.”

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