Staff Report
Carter County Times
Representatives from the Grayson Gallery & Art Center, Inc. recently attended the Brushy Fork Leadership Institute of Berea College’s “Building an Inclusive Leadership Table” Summit on November 12 and 13 in Berea, Kentucky. Board members and volunteers of the organization, as follows were in attendance: Dan Click, GGAC Director; Mindy Click, Treasurer, Lacy Hunt and Sue Tracey, board members, and community volunteer Greg Womack. Each individual chose a “track” workshop in order to gather the most information and training in various subjects – from the Narrative 4 Story Exchange to How to Create Social Enterprise in Small Communities via the Leadership Institute.
On Tuesday, November 12, a special celebration of the arts took place at the Berea Arts Council and Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge on Chestnut Street to showcase an exhibit entitled “People Ready Futures”. As part of the evening’s festivities, Dan and Mindy Click were awarded the prestigious “John B. Stephenson Service Award” with a special certificate, a copy of his book Appalachian Humanist as well as a special artwork by Donna Daniels, Director of the Brushy Fork Leadership Institute.
In 2014, Brushy Fork Leadership Institute created the John B. Stephenson Service Award in honor of the Institute’s founder. Former Berea College President John B. Stephenson received the first award posthumously with the award being accepted by his wife Jane Stephenson. Since that time, Brushy Fork has provided the award annually to individuals who have exhibited dedication to improving the quality of life in Appalachian communities and who have played an important role in Brushy Fork’s service to the region.
Check out more details online at https://www.berea.edu/brushy-fork-institute/john-b-stephenson-service-award.
“We’ve been attending the Leadership Institute since 2011 and its work has been instrumental in both the growth of the Grayson Gallery and its programs, as well as a resource for grants and various funding sources for the nonprofit,” Gallery director Dan Click explained. “Additional training for our community here in Grayson and across Carter County has also been offered by them throughout the years. Mindy and I have watched several outstanding folks from all across the Appalachian region walk up to accept their award in the past. We never imagined it would be presented to us and our community! On behalf of the gallery and the people we represent, we want to thank all those involved; especially those who follow the Grayson Gallery to share our programs, arts events and information. Comments made in support of the GGAC on social media were captured and read aloud during the presentation so the voices of those who appreciate the open-to-all attitude and equity policies of the GGAC had a direct influence on being chosen for the award.”
If interested in next year’s plans for leadership training and resources, mark your community calendars for September 2025 and visit their website for details: https://www.facebook.com/BrushyForkInstitute
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Dan and Mindy Click were presented with the John B. Stephenson Service Award. (submitted photo)
