What happens when art steps out of the classroom and into the community? A pilot program called Art in Action (AIA) seeks to answer that question through creative projects that make art accessible to everyone.
Spearheaded by Heather Dent ’11, program assistant at the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center, AIA aims to bridge the gap between the College and the community.
“Part of this is trying to reach out and connect with people in the community and let them know that we’re a resource and that we want to work together,” Dent explained.
During her college years, Dent majored in sociology but didn’t shy away from the arts. She sang in the Black Music Ensemble, performed in theatre productions and, even as a resident assistant, she found creative ways to connect with others.
“I majored in sociology because I didn’t think art was practical,” she said.
But after returning to Berea in 2016, Dent rediscovered her passion for art through picture books. She has since published several titles and been featured in various publications. Dent continued the picture-book theme with the creation of the Story Trail that runs through the city park.
“I saw that there was a need, that people were craving connection through art and nature,” she said. “I find that art just transcends across all ages and demographics.”
Photo by Sonam Tsering’27
Dent’s efforts to engage the community in the arts led to winning the Elizabeth Perry Miles Award for Community Service this past May. This recognition drew the attention of the Labor Office to her work, and they proposed the idea that she supervise 10 first-year students doing art and community work the following fall semester. That is when Art in Action was born.
Dent’s students have been a key part of this process, and they come from diverse backgrounds, not necessarily in the arts.
“It’s not just drawing and painting,” Dent said. “It’s also music and storytelling. I’ve been able to find strengths in all my students, and they’re doing really great work.”
One of her students, Lavell ’29, is an example. As an electrical engineering major, many might not consider his artistic side. Lavell serves as the connector between AIA and other entities, such as group leaders and professors across the broader community, for organizing events within AIA.
“I feel like since AIA started, we have been making a bigger impact week by week, from renovating the work area to events like the AIA Open House,” Lavell explained.
Another student is a musician who has started bringing music to the
Art in Action scene, leading jam sessions during the open house program. Clementine ’29 is deeply involved in the arts, majoring in music composition.
“So far, I have seen so many people realizing their love and appreciation for art, not just visual art but also music, poetry, etc.,” she said. “If it is an art form, we have people interested, or we are already starting to add it to our initiative to share art and make it accessible to everyone.”
Sonam Tsering ’27
AIA has seen results through its consistent work in organizing events for the College. One of their recent events was an open house at AIA’s location, attended by students, faculty members and families with children. Even though it’s still a pilot program, the students are enthusiastic about its potential. Clementine believes the impact will only grow.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the group expanded beyond the college and did events statewide to share our passion for art,” she said.
Her co-worker, Lavell, shared a similar hope, trusting that AIA will “bring people together and inspire them through interactive play and creativity.”
“Art releases the inner child that everyone has but keeps dormant in their lives,” he added.
Dent shares their excitement for the future. “My hope is that it’s so successful that it’ll just become a staple that allows us to do this good work for years to come,” she concluded.
