There Are Several Ways to Engage With the Arts in McMinn County

Visitors to McMinn County, Tennessee, have several opportunities to engage with the arts, whether they are attending live performances or stopping into a temporary exhibit. Athens Area Council for the Arts (AACA) has supported the region since 1979, and the Etowah Arts Commission (EAC) offers free programming year-round.

“The arts are a great equalizer,” says Lauren Brown, Executive Director of the AACA. “It doesn’t matter where you come from, where you go to church, or who you voted for. The arts are a shared experience where you remember what you have in common and embrace our shared humanity.”

Learn more about both of these organizations and see what’s coming up in 2026. There are plenty of ways for visitors to enjoy the arts in McMinn County, as well as opportunities for residents to learn and develop their artistic skills. 

Athens Arts Council is a Cultural Hub in the Region

AACA was started by a group of individuals who wanted to bring arts opportunities to Athens. Over the decades, the Arts Council expanded into The Arts Center and flourished as it embraced different forms of creative expression. Today, AACA presents a calendar of fifteen to eighteen concerts and plays annually, while hosting twelve exhibitions per year in its two gallery spaces.

“It’s very rare for a center of this size to have the volume of programming and all types of arts that we do,” says Brown. “Most of the exhibits are curated by our staff and a committee of artists from the surrounding region, while a team of volunteers works tirelessly to bring concepts to the stage.”

The regional impact of the AACA is clear when you look at who attends shows and gets involved in performances. In its last production, cast members auditioned from six different counties in Eastern Tennessee. More than 30% of AACA's audience comes from outside McMinn County.

“Our founders wanted to provide opportunities for rural communities to enjoy world-class performing arts,” says Brown. “You don’t have to live near a big city to see a good show.” 

AACA Maintains a Busy Calendar 

Visitors to McMinn County can see what’s on exhibit and coming to the stage through the AACA’s calendar. Fans of musicals can enjoy Annie through late February and Steel Magnolias in April. Anyone who wants to see the art exhibits can stop in for free during office hours from 10 am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday, or during evening receptions.

For the AACA, education is just as important as entertainment in the arts. This is why The Arts Center offers classes and summer camps for adults and kids alike year-round. Many touring performers will either visit local schools to talk about art or lead workshops within the center.

“Our mission is to provide opportunities for the expression and appreciation of the arts to improve the quality of life of the community,” says Brown.

The AACA recently received a Trust for Civic Life grant supporting non-profits that operate as civic hubs for their communities, creating safe places for people to come together and experience shared humanity. Out of 440 nominated organizations, only 26 were selected to receive this grant. 

Etowah Arts Commission Ties Art to History 

The EAC is another invaluable organization creating opportunities to experience or create art in local communities. The EAC runs the Nancy Cantrell Dender Gallery, which is free and open to the public from Thursday through Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm. Visitors to McMinn County can also call the EAC to arrange a tour of the gallery outside these hours.  

“We host several exhibits throughout the year, each lasting seven weeks,” says Adrian Lambert, Executive Director of the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association. “There are opening receptions with opportunities for attendees to purchase the art.”

The EAC is currently partnering with the East Tennessee Arts Center to display 50 works by 26 local artists, offering a diverse mix of media to the region. This exhibit is open until the end of February. 

The Etowah Arts Commission Also Has Live Shows and Events

Beyond the traveling exhibits, the EAC also sponsors the Cousin Jake Memorial Bluegrass Festival, which runs from March 6-7, 2026. In the fall, it runs the Young Authors’ Conference, where authors travel to Eotwah to share their books with local children. At this event, kids can ask authors and illustrators questions to learn about the writing process. Each child receives a blank book when they leave, so they can create their own story.

The EAC makes a point of connecting its programming to local schools and other community groups in Etowah. This further highlights the value of the arts to the region while creating opportunities for visitors to see the creativity emerging from the Overhill region. 

Follow Discover McMinn for Arts Activities and Updates

Both the Athens Area Council for the Arts and the Etowah Arts Commission do a wonderful job promoting their shows, exhibitions, and events. However, Discover McMinn is still the best place to learn about all of the artistic opportunities for visitors and residents in the region. Keep up with our calendar to learn about live music opportunities, art shows, craft fairs, and other unique experiences.

McMinn County is a vibrant part of Eastern Tennessee with activities and events for people of all interests. Discover this beautiful part of the world and fall in love with the people here.