Seventy-two years
of art in a depot.
A nonprofit, volunteer-run association housed in the restored Union City train depot, preserving a building and a tradition since 1953.
A small association,
a long memory.
The Art Association of Randolph County was founded in 1955 by a small group of artists, teachers, and civic supporters who believed every county deserved its own gallery.
In 1986, AARC moved into the former Pennsylvania Railroad depot in Union City, a building that itself had been saved from demolition by community fundraising. We have been there ever since, hanging shows in the waiting rooms and teaching classes where freight was once unloaded.
Today AARC remains entirely volunteer-run. Our board meets monthly, our gallery is open four days a week, and our youth programs serve hundreds of students every year.
A brief history.
From a small group of artists with a shared vision to one of eastern Indiana's longest-running arts organizations. Seventy-two years of shows, classes, and community.
The Pennsylvania Railroad passenger depot is built in Union City, becoming a hub of the region's railroad history.
Art Association of Randolph County founded by a small group of local artists and educators who believed every county deserved its own gallery.
The first Annual Art Exhibit opens, a tradition that continues unbroken to this day.
With just $250 in its checkbook, AARC begins a $100,000 restoration of the 1913 passenger depot that had been deserted for 25 years.
AARC moves into the restored depot after achieving recognition on the National Register of Historic Places. Project wins state award for Best Renovation from the Department of Natural Resources.
Youth programming launches with the first High School Art Show, bringing student work into the gallery.
Gallery expanded with the East Wing for sculpture and mixed media.
Recycled Art program launches, partnering with local schools and waste programs to train the next generation of makers.
The 72nd Annual Art Exhibit opens June 11, continuing a tradition of celebrating regional artists.
The people who make it happen.
Pam has been a fine artist, graphic designer, and illustrator for over 30 years. She founded her business, FraizerDesigns, LLC, in 2002. Her clients included many Indianapolis-based nonprofits, such as IYG, Legacy House, Dress For Success, Planned Parenthood, and ACLU.
In 2016, Pam and her best friend, author and educator Lisa Combs formed Best Friend Books, LLC. Best Friend Books has published more than 36 children's titles available on Amazon, used in several Ohio school systems to support their state-required social-emotional curriculum.
During the pandemic, Pam completed and exhibited two portrait projects, "Legends of Starr-Gennett" and "Bombshells." "Legends of Starr-Gennett Studios" features 34 pioneers of American Music. "Bombshells" is a series of portraits featuring influential women.
Pam holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ball State University.
The Board of Directors.
"The Depot is not just a gallery. It is the place where a small town keeps its imagination on the wall."
Founding Statement · 1955