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!”
Larry Johnson
President
I am happily retired from a career in Health and Human Services Management. I have been involved with several Arts Councils across the state , and am very happy to now be involved with Brunswick County Arts Council. My avocation and true passion is as a performing keyboard musician for most of my adult life. I am married, and have adult children and wonderful grandchildren.
Dirk Mercer
Vice President
Acoustic and electric guitar stand along his wife and children as loves in his life. Whether playing with his band, Parlay around the Cape Fear or working – Dirk is a full time family man! His dedication to many nonprofits in the community is visible- he and his wife Julie can be seen across Brunswick helping many arts events and organizations.
