ECCOTA to Present “Delivered,” an Exhibition Celebrating Julie Mader’s Final Arts in Education Residencies

The Elk County Council on the Arts will present Delivered, a collaborative exhibition of artwork created during Julie Mader’s 2026 Arts in Education residencies, celebrating the creativity of regional senior participants and honoring Mader’s work as a teaching artist.

The exhibition highlights artwork made by participants at Ridgway Senior Junction in Ridgway, Bradford Ecumenical Home and Chapel Ridge in Bradford, and Guy and Mary Felt Manor in Emporium. The residencies were led by Mader through the Arts in Education program, a former grant program of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts in partnership with ECCOTA that has brought professional teaching artists into schools, senior centers, care facilities, and community spaces for years.

Delivered will be on display at the ECCOTA Gallery, 237 Main Street in Ridgway, from August 28 through September 26, 2026. The public is invited to an exhibition opening on Friday, August 28, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Given that the Arts in Education program ends statewide as of September 2026, ECCOTA wanted to take this opportunity to spotlight the meaningful work Julie Mader has done during the program’s final year. Mader, a visual artist and longtime Arts in Education teaching artist, has shared hands on art experiences with learners of many ages and abilities. However, given the audience of the participants of this exhibit, it should be prudent to say that Julie thrives when teaching seniors. It’s one of the driving forces behind why she continues to be ECCOTA’s rock star teaching artist.

The Arts in Education program has helped communities across Pennsylvania connect with professional teaching artists through residencies that encourage creativity, skill-building, and meaningful artistic engagement. With the discontinuation of the program by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Delivered serves as both a celebration of the artwork created in 2026 and a tribute to teaching artists in rural communities.

Everyone is welcome to attend the opening celebration and view the exhibition during regular gallery hours. For more information, contact the Elk County Council on the Arts at 814-772-7051 or visit ECCOTA at 237 Main Street in Ridgway.

100 for $100 - An ECCOTA Fundraiser

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, November 14th - introducing a brand new fundraiser from the Elk County Council on the Arts.

Join us for an upscale art experience and sales exhibition featuring over 100 pieces of artwork for $100 each.

Proceeds from this event will support general operations and ongoing programming. ECCOTA is in the midst of losing funding and staff due to the end of state partnership programming. While we navigate what’s new and upcoming and seek new funding opportunities, this fundraiser will help bridge some funding gaps.

The event will be held at the Strand Event Center, 253 Main Street in Ridgway.

Reservations will be available on September 15th.

---

DONATE ARTWORK

Local artists and community members are welcome to donate artwork to this fundraiser.

Artwork dimensions may be no more than approximately 10” x 10” (2D), not including framing or mounting, which should not exceed a final dimension of 14” x 14” (framed 2D, and 3D).
Framing is not required, but all pieces must have finished edges and be ready to hang or display freestanding without a prop or stand.
Pottery, fiber, jewelry, wood artists, etc. are welcome to make their own “canvas” using their medium. These pieces can be freestanding or mounted on a sturdy backing.
By request, wood panels and canvases may be provided by ECCOTA. A limited number are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If a canvas is provided but a donation is not received, we will request the materials be returned.

Details:
All artwork must be original and made by the named artist.
AI imagery will not be accepted.
No prints or reproductions except for photography.
Each piece must have a title.
To donate multiple pieces (triptych, multiple mediums, etc.), please contact us with details.
Artists are encouraged to include a business card and care instructions with their donation.

All donations must be received by 5PM Friday, October 30, 2026.

Get all the details and submit your donation information.

---

QUESTIONS?

Contact Sara Frank, ECCOTA Executive Director
sara@eccota.com - 814-772-7051

Summer Programming 2026

Join us each week and get creative!
The full schedule of summer programming includes something or everyone - of all ages. With offerings of all ages and skill levels, you’re sure to find something to help get you creating!

View fullsize

WORKING, A Musical - Presented by ECCOTA Summer Theater Camp

The Elk County Council on the Arts is proud to present the Summer Theater Camp performance of WORKING, A Musical, directed by Mr. Matthew Frank, on Friday, June 26.

Attend the Performance
Friday, June 26 at 7PM in the St. Marys Area High School Carpin Auditorium.
School doors will open at 6:00PM. Auditorium doors will open at approximately 6:30PM. There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated. Your donation helps support the arts in Elk County through youth programming and scholarships for the Summer Theater Camp. Concessions will be available.

---

Attend the Camp
REGISTRATION - Opens Thursday, May 14 at 4PM. A limited number of spots are available!

The cost to attend is $75 per student. Eligible students must be in grades 9 - age 21. A very limited number of scholarships are available; details are below.

All activities will be held in the St. Marys Area High School Carpin Auditorium.
Auditions will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 6PM. Video submissions will also be accepted.
Audition Packet

Monday - Thursday, June 22-25
Camp begins at 9AM and ends at 4PM.
Friday, June 26
Camp begins at 12 NOON. There will be no lunch break. Pizza, drinks, and snacks will be provided to camp participants before the performance. Doors to the building will open at 6PM. Auditorium doors open at 6:30PM. The performance begins at 7PM.
Clothing, etc.
Camp participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and closed-toe shoes. Please limit devices that may cause distractions during downtime.
Lunch
Participants should bring a brown bag lunch and a beverage each day. There are water bottle filling stations available at the school.
Performance
Auditorium doors will open at approximately 6:30PM Friday, June 26. There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated. Your donation helps support the arts in Elk County through youth programming and scholarships for the Summer Theater Camp. Concessions will be available.
Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

---

WORKING-2012 REVISED VERSION
is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com

WORKING
A Musical From the book by STUDS TERKEL
Adapted by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ and NINA FASO

With additional contributions by Gordon Greenberg
Songs by
CRAIG CARNELIA
MICKI GRANT
LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
MARY RODGERS and SUSAN BIRKENHEAD
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
JAMES TAYLOR

Orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire

ECCOTA Partners with Remake Learning Days!

The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA), in partnership with Remake Learning Days, is excited to announce a family-friendly art experience, Mobiles: The Art of Movement, taking place on May 9 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the ECCOTA Gallery in Ridgway.

Led by teaching artist Caroline Fitch, this interactive art activity has participants exploring the fascinating world of 4D artwork: art that incorporates motion as an essential element. Students will learn about balance, design, and movement as they create their own unique hanging mobiles.

Designed for ages 8 and up, the class welcomes both individuals and families, encouraging participants to create and learn together in a supportive and creative environment.

Registration is encouraged and can be completed at the following link: https://forms.gle/DiXpoaG5MM2bQDFaA