Establishment of the Arts Council
June 26, 1970
The Arts Council received its articles of incorporation
After a group of citizens dedicated to the arts, in either their occupations, personal endeavors, or both, came together with the common goal of creating an organization that would use its influence to promote the arts in Tuscaloosa County. Doris Leapard and Dr. Allen Bales, head of the speech department at UA, were the first co-chairs. Also included were Louise Temerson, Morris Sokol, Jack Warner, Fred Prentice, Allen Bales, Mrs. Eric Baklanoff, Phoebe Barr, and John Ross. Officers were elected at a later date. (Image from an early newsletter)
Early 1970s
The First Member Organizations
Were Tuscaloosa Civic Chorus, Tuscaloosa Community Singers, Tuscaloosa Community Theatre, Tuscaloosa Men’s Camelia Club, Tuscaloosa Preservation Society, West Alabama Art Association, and the West Alabama Gospel Singers. (Image courtesy The Tuscaloosa News, Early 1970s)
1974
The Arts Council’s first program, SUGAR
(Schools Using Greater Arts Resources) was established. The program evolved to SPECTRA (Special Teaching Resources in the Arts).
1975
Joined by Theatre Tuscaloosa
They are joined by Theatre Tuscaloosa (prior Tuscaloosa Community Players) which is celebrating its 50th year in 2021 with its 2020-2021 season. (Images courtesy of The Tuscaloosa News clockwise: Summer 1975; January 14, 1976; June 4, 1976)
1978
The first schools program director was hired.
(Image featuring a performance by Palisades Theatre in a local school, courtesy of The Tuscaloosa News, October 26, 1979)
1983
Grand opening of the Junior League Gallery
Grand opening of the Junior League Gallery at the Bama Theatre. The balcony lobby was converted into a gallery space as a project by the Junior League of Tuscaloosa.
1985
The first season of Bama Fanfare
The first season of Bama Fanfare was presented. (Pictured right, images from “Bambi: A Life in the Woods” prior to showtime in 1999.
1986
Bama Theatre Renovation
Major Renovation of the Bama Theatre completed. (Images courtesy of The Tuscaloosa News, Left, January 27, 1985, and Right, January 26, 1986)
1988
The Arts Council Becomes Partners with Westwood Elementary
The Arts Council became partners with Westwood Elementary in the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s Adopt-a-School program. A student is pictured participating in the Tuscaloosa Symphony Guild’s Instrument Petting Zoo. Spectrafest continues to bring the arts to Westwood students.
1989
Druid Arts Awards was Established as a Recurring Ceremony
Pictured are board members John Owens and Gina McPherson at the 1994 DAA luncheon with Education Director Marcia Hood looking on. (Photo by Sonja Ryberg)
1999
35mm Projector Purchased Through Stars of the Silver Screen Campaign
The Silver Screen Movie Series was established that eventually evolved into the current Bama Art House Series. (Photo of Stars of the Silver Screen Gala at the Bama Theatre, April, 1999)
2004
The Double Exposure Statewide Photography Competition was Established
Winning photo by Eugene Cuevas
2009
The First Poetry Out Loud Competition
The first Poetry Out Loud competition was held at the Bama Theatre in cooperation with the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
2013
Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center Grand Opening
he center opened on August 13, 2013 on Dinah Washington’s birthday. Two of Washington’s granddaughters and a great granddaughter conducted the ribbon cutting.
2013
Restoration of Original Murals in the Bama
Painted by Navino Nataloni (1937-1938) by artist Ruth O’Connor
2014
Proludio Digital Projection System Installed
The system replaced the platter system installed in 1999 that utilized 35mm film.
2017
Digital Marquee Installed
The original 1938 neon BAMA lettering was preserved along with other elements around the new marquee. (Photo by David H. Jones.)
2018
West Alabama Arts Education Collaborative Established
West Alabama Arts Education Collaborative established in cooperation with the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Images from The Alberta School of Performing Arts (top, staff photo) and Myrtlewood Elementary (bottom, courtesy of The Tuscaloosa News, January 16, 2019)
Also celebrating 50 in 2020 is the Prentice Concert Chorale (prior Tuscaloosa Community Singers). Images courtesy The Tuscaloosa News clockwise : March 6, 1975; January 6, 1974; GRAPHIC, August 31-September 1, 1973)
Lou Wall and the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers article. (Image courtesy The Tuscaloosa News, Early 1970s)
Images of Tuscaloosa Community Players courtesy The Tuscaloosa News clockwise: March 2, 1976; April 20, 1975; April 16, 1976
Punch and Judy Players planning session, forerunner of Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre. (Image courtesy The Tuscaloosa News, March 13, 1977)
