A Year of Creativity, Community, and Growth: JCAC in 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on a year filled with creativity, connection, and meaningful growth at Junction City Arts Council. This year reinforced why access to the arts matters—and how powerful it can be when a community shows up to support it.

From classrooms and community spaces to gallery walls and downtown venues, art played an important role throughout 2025.

Expanding Access to Art Education

One of JCAC’s core missions is making art accessible, and this year we continued to offer a wide range of free and affordable opportunities for all ages. Our affordable weekend arts and crafts classes for elementary and middle school students gave young artists a chance to explore new materials, build skills, and create in a relaxed, encouraging environment outside of the school day.

We also strengthened our partnership with USD 475, providing free art classes through after-school programs at local elementary schools. These classes reached students who may not otherwise have access to arts programming and focused on creativity, confidence, and hands-on learning rather than perfect outcomes.

During the summer months, JCAC hosted summer art camp for elementary-age students, offering structured, engaging creative experiences during school break. These camps allowed students to work on multiple projects over several days, experiment with different materials, and build friendships along the way.

For adults, JCAC offered a variety of seasonal and themed classes throughout the year, providing opportunities to learn new techniques, try different mediums, and enjoy creative time in a supportive setting. In addition, our free acrylic painting classes for senior citizens continued to be a valued part of our programming, offering both artistic instruction and meaningful social connection.

Featuring Artists Throughout the Year

Throughout the year, JCAC was honored to showcase the work of a wide range of artists in the Rago Gallery, Upper Gallery, and Markley Lobby. These rotating displays reflected a variety of styles, mediums, and perspectives, giving visitors the opportunity to experience local and regional artwork in accessible, welcoming spaces. We are grateful to the artists who shared their work with our community and helped make these gallery spaces vibrant places to gather, reflect, and connect through art.

Collaborations That Reached the Wider Community

Collaboration played a key role in our 2025 programming. We were proud to partner with the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library to offer painting and arts-and-crafts activities. These sessions brought creativity into a familiar community space and welcomed participants of all ages to try something new.

We also worked with Junction City Mainstreet, providing free art activities during select downtown events. These collaborations allowed us to bring hands-on creative experiences directly into community gatherings, engaging families and visitors in accessible ways.

A Memorable Event During Hometown Christmas

During Junction City Hometown Christmas, JCAC hosted a well-attended artist reception that welcomed visitors into both the Rago Gallery and the Markley Lobby at the Munson Arts Education Building.

Guests enjoyed viewing the artwork on display, visiting with the artist, and spending time in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Visitors were offered complimentary cider and popcorn, creating an inviting space that encouraged people to slow down, enjoy the art, and connect during the holiday season. We even had a visit from the Grinch to entertain and offer photo opportunities.

Supporting the Arts Together

We are deeply grateful for the support of our local sponsors, whose generosity plays a vital role in making JCAC programs and events possible throughout the year. Their commitment to the arts helps us expand access, strengthen partnerships, and serve our community in meaningful ways. We were especially encouraged by the strong community response during Geary Match Day, where local giving and matching funds made a significant impact and reinforced the value placed on the arts in Junction City.

Our Support of Local Theater

In addition to visual arts programming, JCAC continued its support of the performing arts by serving as underwriters for productions at the Junction City Little Theater throughout the year. This ongoing support reflects our belief that a strong arts community includes theater, performance, and live storytelling alongside visual art.

Community Events

JCAC also hosted Arts on 7th, a one-time downtown event that brought artists, vendors, and community members together in a shared celebration of creativity. Events like this highlight the role the arts play in bringing people together and creating a vibrant downtown experience.

Celebrating a Milestone Year

2025 was also a milestone year for JCAC as we celebrated more than five decades as a nonprofit organization serving Junction City and the surrounding area. This legacy reflects the dedication of volunteers, instructors, artists, board members, sponsors, and supporters—past and present.

This year, we honored that history while also looking ahead, laying the groundwork for future growth and continued community engagement.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As proud as we are of what we accomplished in 2025, we’re equally excited about what’s ahead. The coming year will bring new classes, new artists, continued collaborations, and ongoing efforts to ensure the arts remain accessible to everyone in our community.

Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, taught, volunteered, or attended an event this year. Your involvement makes this work possible.

Here’s to another year of creativity, connection, and community in 2026.