about the council
We advocate for the arts + community.
In December 2019, the City of Paducah established the Creative & Cultural Council to act as a resource for local artists and art organizations and undertake initiatives that support the creative economy and the arts and cultural ecosystem of Paducah. The Council is composed of City of Paducah staff members and Paducah citizens who are passionate about the arts in our community.
Our
Mission
Our
Role
Board
Members
Mayor
Statements
Creative
Directory
Our Mission
The Paducah Creative & Cultural Council aims to support our community’s individual creatives and its arts organizations by serving as a connector, an advocate and a resource to promote and support creative work in our area, as well as raising awareness of the importance of the arts to the emotional and economic well-being of its citizens.
Our Role
Acting as a resource for local artists and organizations.
Undertaking initiatives that support the creative economy and the arts and culture ecosystem of Paducah.
Uniting and connecting local partners to address community needs and make the community more healthy, vibrant and equitable.
Recognizing, promoting and encouraging creative industry growth.
Identifying funding and grant opportunities for local artists and arts & cultural organizations and assisting with the acquisition of said funding and grants.
Coordinating efforts between agencies and individual artists and educating the public regarding community arts opportunities.
Assisting with the installation of public art in neighborhoods, public places, and commercial corridors.
Performing assessments on the state of arts and culture in Paducah.
Board Members
April Cochran
April Cochran is a theatre teaching artist with over 40 years of work for school systems, professional and community theatres throughout the Midwest. She recently retired as Market House Theatre’s Education Director after 21 years and now serves as its specialist in early childhood drama.
Shand Stamper
Shand Stamper is an art teacher, metalsmith, and arts enthusiast.
Cindy Ragland
As an employment specialist, Cindy worked with local business and industry. Her passion for the arts led to serving on the founding board of The Carson Centers, the Paducah Symphony and the Yeiser Art Center, which gave her an understanding of the economic impact the arts have on the quality of life in Paducah.
Chad Clark
Chad is a City of Paducah employee and self-proclaimed advocate for the arts. “The arts mirror the human experience, and we must ensure they are inclusive, available, representative, and remain a thread of the human fabric.”
Steven Page
Steven has taught band & choir since 1999, the last eight years at Heath Middle School. He coordinates the Paducah Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Camp and performs with the Paducah Singers.
Nicholas Hutchison
Nic is the Director of Planning for the City of Paducah, and has interest in performing arts, 2D and 3D arts, and architecture.
Mary Katz
Mary is Executive Director of the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center. Paducah Native, Arts manager, artistic director, and mom of three artists. I am creative, passionate, and a proud patron and supporter of the arts in Paducah and beyond.
Morgan Walker
Information coming soon. . .
Basil Drossos
Information coming soon. . .
Statements from Our Mayors
“It’s a fact – Paducah is nationally and internationally known for its arts and culture. Being the home of the National Quilt Museum of the United States, launching the Lowertown Artist Relocation Program, and receiving the UNESCO Creative City designation as a City of Crafts and Folk Art have allowed Paducah to expand its cultural recognition and partnerships on a global level. I’m proud to witness the growth in the rich artistic and cultural foundations in this amazing City. There is a passion for arts and creativity in Paducah. You can feel the energy in this community’s artists, creative organizations, and museum. The creative economy is alive, well, and the essence of who Paducah is and what it stands for.”
George P. Bray
Mayor 2021–Present
“We know that Paducah embraces the arts and a creative mindset, but we want to find new ways to bring creativity to the forefront. We want to stimulate growth in the creative industries and encourage our local businesses to explore how they can play a part in this vibrant economy.”
Brandi Harless
Mayor 2017–2020
“The community will continue to grow our arts IQ because the Genie has been released from the bottle. There is no stopping the growth of Paducah’s Creative Culture.”
Gayle Kaler
Mayor 2013–2016
“In my years serving Paducah as mayor, I often discussed Paducah’s quality of life. Each person will have a different definition. However, I believe we all can agree that Paducah’s network of creative and artistic organizations and individuals have created a community that is unique and interesting. Paducah’s quality of life is richer due to the investment in arts and culture.”
William Paxton
Mayor 2000–2012
Click here to find an artist or join the creative directory.
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov