The Cumberland Art Collective (CAC) is a nonprofit social group that strives to cultivate creativity across Kentucky. Founded by Debra Kersey in 2016, the “Cumberland Art and Literary League” opened up a more local setting for all kinds of artists. It was later renamed to the Cumberland Art Collective in 2019, when Kersey passed leadership onto Kellene Turner. The rebrand consolidated the group’s regional, all-encompassing view to reach as many artists as possible. Now approaching the ten-year anniversary of the CAC’s founding, they have grown to over 300 members statewide, all of whom are passionate about art forms in their own different and unique way.
The CAC meets monthly while also sponsoring and participating in many local artisan events. Despite drawbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CAC is still thriving and constantly drawing in new members with its kind and welcoming atmosphere.
CAC’s informal and intimate meet-ups allow artists to share about their art and themselves in a creative and therapeutic manner. Planned meetings are always posted on their social media accounts. Most meetings are held primarily in Corbin or London. The next meeting will take place at the Cinema Social in Corbin on August 21, from 6-8 p.m. With no age or experience restrictions, the CAC is open to rallying everyone in the community around a love for art and an appreciation for creativity.
Turner takes great pride in the communal reach that the CAC has helped to cultivate throughout the local area. When asked about the group’s contributions, she commented, “These meet-ups are vital for the life of art and artists in the community.”
Local artists continue to serve an important role in local business, education, and to the general public. If you are interested in learning more about how their efforts are contributing to these areas, consider attending an upcoming CAC meeting.
