Arts in Muhlenberg County
Felix E. Martin Jr. Hall for Creative and Performing Arts
A community love for the arts and a partnership between Muhlenberg County Schools and the Foundation led to the creation of Felix E. Martin Jr. Hall, a performing arts center that opened in March 2012. Since that time, Martin Hall plays an active role in the community, hosting professional touring productions, concerts, community theater, student performances, and community events, all while building a love of the arts in students and adults alike. After an initial grant of $1 million which provided funding to increase the size and technical scope of the originally planned auditorium, the Foundation remains committed to the success and accessibility of Martin Hall. The Foundation provides funding to maintain a full-time executive director/community arts coordinator and a technical director and has invested in technical equipment needed to maintain the top-of-the-line facility. The Foundation also provides annual grants to the Muhlenberg County Arts Council to host affordable arts summer camps, giving local children hands-on experience with acting, dance, visual arts, music, and other disciplines.
Big Twigs at Lake Malone
Partnering with several other community organizations, the Foundation stepped into the role of lead funder for a unique public sculpture experience to be created at Lake Malone State Park. The Big Twigs family of larger-than-life characters invite visitors to create their own magical story of this forest family who can be found hiking, camping, fishing, reading and catching fireflies while exploring the natural beauty of the park and lake.
Festival Square Plaza
In an effort to create additional public gathering spaces honoring Muhlenberg's rich musical history while also revitalizing underused downtown spaces, the Foundation has joined other community organizations to support the development of Central City's Festival Square. Festival Square is a public plaza that will pay tribute to the musical careers and local roots of the Everly Brothers and John Prine. The public square will feature public art including bronze statues of the honorees, and will help increase tourism revenue for the community by creating a gateway destination for visitors interested in local museums are exhibits focused on Muhlenberg's music and coal history.
