Celebrating 50 Years — and Looking Forward
In 2026, the Davie County Arts Council marks 50 years as a nonprofit organization, and leaders say the milestone is not just about honoring the past — it’s about building a stronger future.
After a period of quieter activity, the Arts Council is entering what Executive Director Steve Franke describes as a season of renewal.
“We’re in a rebirth,” Franke said. “What matters most right now is getting energy back into the building and making sure the community feels like this is their arts council.”
A Fresh Perspective, Rooted in Community
Franke, who is serving as executive director on an unpaid volunteer basis, brings decades of experience in wealth management and financial planning, not in fine arts — and he sees that as a strength.
“I don’t have an arts background,” he said. “My background is in science, math, and management. So when it comes to the arts, I’m learning tons and tons of things every day. I try to pick people I trust and who can help guide me.”
That learning process has been fueled by listening.
“We’ve been doing surveys and asking, ‘What resonates in the community?’” Franke said. “We’re looking to the community to tell us, what do you want? We can’t promise that we will be able to do everything, but we do want to know what the community is interested in.”
What’s Coming Up: A Full Spring of Performances
The Arts Council’s upcoming schedule reflects that new momentum:
February:
- Dynamic Davie Juried Art Exhibit, featuring 2D Art, 3D Art, and photography by Davie County middle and high school students – January 16- February 27 by appointment only
- The Legacy Motown Revue, a live tribute to Motown hits with singers, dancers, and a horn band. Dr. Aaron Prillaman, a Davie County–based classical guitarist and educator with over two decades of performance experience, will perform the opening act – February 7th at 7 p.m.
- Chocolates from Jay Kimura and Quail Ridge Confections paired with local wines to create a full “event night” experience
March:
- Six String Soldiers, a U.S. Army ensemble, performing patriotic, country, bluegrass, and popular music – March 14th at 7:30 p.m.
- Plans for a local opening act, such as a jazz quartet or string ensemble
April:
- Extreme Illusion & Escapes, Josh & Lea Knotts have designed a show featuring amazing stage illusions, skillful escapes, audience participation, and exciting music. – April 25th at 7 p.m.
- Admission, written by Dr. Daryl Rosenbaum of Mocksville. This play will be the first full-stage local theater production at the Brock Performing Arts Center in nearly three years. – April 17th – 19th
May:
- Two large regional dance recitals, bringing visitors to Davie County
June:
- Missoula Children’s Theatre Camp, engaging children and families in live performance – June 22nd -27th
Ongoing:
- Calling All Singers & Songwriters – Every 2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Brock
- Artworks Photo Club – Every 2nd Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Brock
Franke is amazed by the amount of talent he is discovering locally and has begun a database of artists across all areas of the visual and performing arts. “We’re just starting to work on our lineup for next year, too,” Franke said. We have a committee that’s looking through a wide variety of acts.”
Turning Shows Into Experiences
Beyond performances, the Arts Council is changing how people interact with art.
At gallery exhibits, visitors can scan QR codes to learn about artists and even purchase artwork directly, thanks to the Mocksville Women’s Club, which donated $4,000 to the Arts Council to purchase state-of-the-art software.
“You’ll see a three-by-five card with a QR code,” Franke explained. “You can scan it, learn about the artist, and if you love the piece, one more click lets you buy it right there.”
Popup galleries will soon appear at The Factory Coffee House and Restaurant 101, which have both “donated” wall space to display local artwork for sale.
“I think these displays will help broaden arts awareness in the community.”
Pre-show events are also expanding.
“We’re trying to make our shows more of an event,” he said. “Not just come in for the performance, but come early, enjoy something special, and make a night of it.”
Art Beyond the Stage
The Arts Council is also extending its reach into the community.
Two of the performers from Broadway in Love wanted to do something more and ended up performing at the Mocksville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
“When the music started, the whole place came alive,” Franke said. “You watched people sing along and tap their feet. That was truly inspiring to me.”
Programs are also growing for hobbyists of all ages. A recent calligraphy class sold out quickly. The monthly Artworks Photo Club welcomes photographers of all skill levels.
A recent addition to the lineup that Franke is particularly excited about is the monthly Singers & Songwriters group. “When everyone introduced themselves at the first meeting, we realized we had a whole band sitting in the room already. I think that collaboration’s gonna be a lot of fun to sit and watch, and we’ll want to have concerts, whether it’s once a month or once every other month.”
A local musician has expressed interest in teaching stringed instruments, such as the violin, to elementary school students, so the Arts Council will soon be offering group lessons. Individual lessons could follow. Franke encourages interested students to reach out to the Arts Council.
“We’ve talked about offering occasional movie nights and exploring different ways to make them fun, like a critics’ night or themed screenings. We even had a retired theater professor come in to help us assess the projector and screen placement. The initial layout isn’t ideal yet, but we’re working through those challenges.”
Volunteers Are Essential
As the Arts Council enters its next 50 years, volunteers are critical to the vision.
“We need the community to help us with this,” Franke said. “It’s not mine, and it’s not the Board’s. It’s Davie County’s Arts Council.”
Current needs include:
- Hospitality Committee members to help with opening night receptions
- Teaching artists in watercolor, pottery, calligraphy, music, and more
- Leaders for children’s theater programming, including a committee chair
- Event and program support volunteers
“I’d love to have people who just want to sit down and talk about what something could look like,” Franke said. “Those conversations are how this grows.”
A Culture of Collaboration
The Arts Council is also working closely with surrounding counties and organizations.
“There’s an abundance mindset with arts councils,” Franke said. “If you do well and we collaborate, I’ll do well. And if I do well and we collaborate, you’ll do well.”
Located just off I-40 and between larger metro areas, Davie County’s venue fills a special niche. “The Brock is a super unique venue. It’s 485 seats. It’s very comfortable. The acoustics are great. You know, so to me, again, super exciting to see what’s coming. We’re never going to be the Tanger Center,” Franke said. “But we can be a place where people feel welcome and where local talent can be highlighted.”
Looking Ahead: The Next 50 Years
A new three-year strategic plan is guiding the organization’s growth, with a focus on accessibility, participation, and community connection.
“When I stepped into this role, I went on what I call a communications tour,” Franke said. “I asked people what we did well, what we didn’t do well, and what we should do next. The windshield is big and the rearview mirror is small — the future is out in front of us.”
Fifty years after its founding, the Davie County Arts Council is stepping into a new chapter — one built on listening, collaboration, and shared ownership.
“I’m so excited to see how far we’ve come in just 10 months. People have reached out from all over the county, not just Mocksville. This is Davie County’s Arts Council. It’s not mine, and it’s not just the Board’s. I see it as a time, talent, and treasure kind of thing — and we all have those gifts to share.”
“We’re going to make mistakes, and we’ll adapt,” Franke said. “But what matters is that we’re moving forward together.”
Community members interested in volunteering, teaching, or helping shape future programs are encouraged to get involved now — because the Arts Council’s rebirth depends on the people it serves.
You can reach Davie County Arts Council Executive Director Steve Franke on his cell at 717-658-3208 or his office at 336-751-3112 or by email at sfranke@yadtel.net.