The arts have played an important role in Mike's life.  Having spent most of his life as a musician, earning a bachelor's degree in music education and currently finishing his doctorate in music education, Mike believes that the performing fine arts play an important role in a community.  Henry County is fortunate to have some thriving performing ensembles such as The Henry Players, Southern Crescent Symphony, The Henry Singers, Festival Ballet, etc. Our visual artists are making an impact through the support of citizens such as Keith Sweat (Georgian Gallery), the Visual Arts Collective, the Henry County Chamber of Commerce (HCCOC), etc.  The Falling for Henry Arts Festival that was sponsored by the HCCOC was a real success the last two years!  The festival brought thousands of guests that patron not only the vendors, but also Henry County businesses.  

During his six year tenure as the Fine Arts Coordinator for the school system, Mike was able to expand these programs across the county, including starting a student orchestra program.  It is Mike's philosophy that in order to expand the arts in the community, you must first educate children about the importance of the arts; fostering a generation of future consumers.

All of these organizations make Henry County special. As Chairman, Mike plans to work closely with these organizations as they are not only a valuable resource to our community, but are a component of our future economic development.  Mike plans on working with private donors to establish art galleries throughout Henry County to foster current and future artisans.  Additionally, Mike plans on working with local universities to offer arts courses for all ages.

Henry County's continuing SPLOST has funds earmarked for the construction of a new Civic / Performing Arts Center. While discussing this issue, Mike discussed his concern to citizens that the new complex will be grossly under budgeted.  Mike further explained that seating and hall size will dictate the types of shows and programs that the complex will attract, even commenting that the United States Marine Band "The President's Own" requires seating for at least 1100 people.  If this new facility is going to make an impact, then the quality of technology (lighting, rigging, sound, etc.) and seating are as crucial as location. If we want to attract the best, we must offer the best.

As with economic development, Mike will further address the performing fine arts over the next several months.