The Arts Barn Art Center

Our Identity

Mission

The Arts Barn Art Center serves Northeastern, Southeastern, and Central Pennsylvania art communities by providing art with heart to people of all ages, races, and abilities through exhibition, education, and other creative experiences.

The Arts Barn Art Center’s motto is “We Grow Artists”

Vision

The Arts Barn is Northeastern Pennsylvania’s home for diverse art programming & education and artist collaboration with organizations, schools, and the community to encourage creation, appreciation, and understanding of the arts. We grow artists through artistic excellence, education, and exhibitions that bring people together for powerful shared experiences inspiring a creative exchange of ideas in our community and beyond.

Structure

The Arts Barn Art Center is overseen by a board of directors consisting of ten members. Spearheading the Arts Center and The Arts Barn is our new Executive Director, Kayla Cresswell, who succeeded the founder, Deborah Cooper, in 2021. Ms. Cooper is the founder and served as director of The Arts Barn Art Center since their inception until recently. Ms. Cooper is responsible for transforming the former Toy Barn into The Arts Barn and has led the development of The Arts Barn Art Center.

The Center's Executive Director, Kayla Cresswell, is responsible for running and maintaining the Arts Barn, its classes, events, camps, marketing, online presence, and day to day operations. Kayla is a 2011 graduate of Penn State Berks with a degree in Elementary Education. Prior to becoming Executive Director, she was our Youth Education Coordinator and can still be found teaching our children's classes and camps!

In addition, the Center utilizes volunteers in various capacities. Individuals in need of community service hours for school or service projects are encouraged to volunteer with the Center. On an annual basis, the Center is assisted by over 30 volunteers throughout the year.