The Arts Council of Greater Palatka is the designated Local Arts Agency for Putnam County, also known as an LAA. We were designated as the LAA by the County and State in 1975. We are a 501- C3 non profit corporation.
The Arts Council of Greater Palatka was incorporated in February of 1975.
The Putnam County Commissioners and the State of Florida Divison of Cultural Affairs recognized The Arts Council of Greater Palatka as the official County representative of Putnam County in April of 1975.
In 1992 The Arts Council was given the Larimer Building located at 216 Reid Street Palatka as our new art center which once was the public library. The building was renamed the Larimer Art Center.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to advocate the role of arts and culture in Putnam County, Providing arts education to both in and out of school learner's and to continue to enrich the quality of life in our community through the cultivation, presentation, and preservation of cultural facilities and events.
|
 |
Executive Board
President Rosemary Anderson
Rosemary Anderson is a past vice president of the Arts Council, chair of the Putnam County Democratic Party, she sits on the Putnam County Library Board, and is past president of the Crescent City Woman's Club. Rosemary also sits on the United Way Board. She is a Graduate of Rutgers University, and a retired advertising / marketing executive. She moved to Putnam county in 1999.
Vice President Dean Parrish
Dean Parrish is a Palatka native, has been a board member for two years, is a past secretary and current vice president, creator and chairman of Live at the Larimer. He is a singer, guitarist, songwriter, a member of the Hart Line Folk Group, a past member of the Blue Crab Festival Committee, and is active in many local and downtown events. Dean is a father of two, and has been employed with the Unites States Post Office for over 20 years. He Graduated from St Johns River Community College.
Secretary Elisabeth Virnstein
Elisabeth Virnstein moved to Putnam County in 1988, when her husband Robert became a marine ecologist for the SJRWMD. With a B.A. and M.A. in English, she taught Language Arts for 16 years at Palatka High School, retiring in 2004 at the end of a 35-year career in the classroom. She volunteers at the Children’s Reading Center, is a Master Gardener, supports the Putnam Land Conservancy, travels, and enjoys time spent with three grandchildren.
Treasurer Patricia Banks
Patricia Banks is the owner of Patricia Banks Accounting. She has been in the accounting and bookkeeping field for the last 36 years, first working for Glenn Stephens and then purchasing the business from him 26 years ago. Patricia has been married for 34 years. She is the mother of three children and has three grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys collecting antique bottles and dishes, as well as other various items. She is a member of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Business, as well as other organizations.
Executive Director Denise Aiken
Denise Aiken is Executive Director, Director of the Arts Council of Greater Palatka for five years, Past business owner, past vice president of the Palatka Art League, past secretary of the Art League, Chair of the Azalea Festival fine arts and craft Show. Married and mother of one.
|
