The Mission of the Brunswick Arts Council is to support, sustain, enhance and cultivate the arts in Brunswick County making cultural events, arts education and appreciation of the arts available to the diverse range of county residents.
Our Story
Victor and Jeanne Gerloven, natives of Brooklyn, NY, dedicated their lives to art and education. For over 55 years, Victor taught art at the high school and college level; and after retiring to Brunswick County, he continued to teach art through the Associated Artists of Southport program for adults.
He received the N.C. Governor’s Award for Volunteerism and for over a decade tirelessly led the Brunswick Arts Council as president, while Jeanne, a retired Assistant Dean of the School of General Studies at Brooklyn College, New York City, served as the Council’s Secretary.
As a result of their diligent work, the BAC became the respected organization that it is today. Through the various programs to all the in the community, and assists and encourages local artists in achieving their lifelong goals.
Meetings
Monthly Meetings:
Our Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:30 pm. The meetings are virtual. Our Planning Meeting is held in Winter. These meetings are open to the public and visitors are encouraged to attend.
Annual Meeting:
The board meets annually to discuss the vision for the year and discuss grant opportunities. Our Annual Meeting is usually held in June and members of the community are encouraged to attend.
The BAC Board of Directors & Committee Members
Mary Beth Livers
Executive Director
Mary Beth brings a lifelong experience in nonprofit working with a variety of government and private agencies in cultural heritage and arts tourism. She has experience with federal, state, and private institutions, from the National Park Service to Native American Tribal Governments to small private historical societies, museums, nature centers, multi-arts centers, recreation and service organizations as paid staff and as a volunteer. Although she has lived in 10 states, Brunswick County has been her home for the last 9 years. Mary Beth has chaired the Oak Island Art Guild’s Arts & Crafts Festival for the past 5 years, is a Rotarian (and a former Kiwanian) and believes in community-based relations with strong commitment to frontline services. In a nutshell, she says ” “I’m self-motivated, play well with others, somewhat easily trainable and enjoy life. Life is about creating yourself and I’m always a work in progress!”
Sydnee Moore
President
A North Carolina native with a love of animals and everything outdoors. Sydnee spends most of her free time walking on the beach or paddle boarding with her dog, Dilly. Sydnee Graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2012 with focus in non-profit administration, biology, and economics. She continued onto complete her J.D. at University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, graduating in 2015. Sydnee is an active member of the North Carolina State Bar, the South Carolina Bar, the Kentucky Bar Association, and the North Carolina Bar Association. She is a Registered Patent Attorney eligible to practice before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office in patent matters.
Shannon Farro
Vice President
Shannon Farro is a Brunswick County resident and joined the Long Bay Symphony team as an intern and was brought on shortly after as the Director of Marketing and Concert Support. She assumed the role of Executive Director in June 2018.
Shannon holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Marywood University and a Master’s degree in Art Leadership and Cultural Management from Colorado State University. In July 2018, she was one of 35 orchestra professionals chosen to participate in the League of American Orchestra’s prestigious Essentials of Orchestra Management seminar in Los Angeles, CA.
Cindy Hewett
Treasurer
With more than 35 years of experience in technical support services and information technology, Hewett is Brunswick County’s IT Director.
“We are here to serve and to help make our world a better place for all,” Hewett said. “I believe it is our responsibility to care for those in need. I love serving the community where I grew up and continue to call this home. For me, it is rewarding and satisfying to know the work I am involved with can make a positive difference and improve the quality of life for the people who live here.” Cindy volunteers with many groups in her community, including BAC.
Board of Directors
Larry Johnson, Festival Committees
Joan Leotta, Literary Arts
Shane Miller, BCSD Visual Arts LiaisonJeff Saunders, Solstice Festival Committee & Secretary
Jason Seip, BCSD Performing Arts LiaisonJosh Youse, Health Care Professional and Musician
Vacant – Apply Now
Ex Officio:
Connie EnisSusan Sims PrittMari-Lou Wong ChongDana King
Josh Youse, Health Care Professional and Musician