Latest News

This contest is free to enter! Cash prizes will be awarded. This amateur photography contest is open to youth ages 10-17 and adults ages 18 and up.

Pictures must have been taken in Jackson or Vinton Counties to be entered in this contest.

There will be cash awards in both Youth and Adult divisions. First Prize is $100; Second Prize: $75 ; Third Prize: $50;
$50 award to the Overall People’s Choice.

The Picture Perfect Exhibit can be viewed from July 1 to July 30, 2021 at the Markay Cultural Arts Center, located at 269 E. Main Street in Jackson.

This is a project of Vinton County National Bank Financial Family, with the cooperation of The Southern Hills Arts Council

Deadline to enter: June 25

Download the Entry Form Here: Entry Form

Entry forms may also be picked up in person at the Markay Gallery at 269 E. Main St. in Jackson during our operating hours which are Wednesday through Friday, 12-5.

Contest Rules:
1. Photographer must be an amateur, i.e. Has not received money for photography services in the past year.
2. Photo must have been taken after March 1, 2021.
3. Each entry must be 8″x10″ and on glossy or matte photo paper
4. Entries may be submitted to the Vinton County National Bank, 112 West Main St., McArthur or the Jackson Banking Center, 920 Veterans Dr, Suite E, Jackson or the Markay Cultural Arts Center, 269 E. Main St., Jackson by 5 p.m., June 25th.
5. All entries become the property of the Markay during the course of the contest, and will be released to participants on August 2nd, 2021.
6. Photos featuring an identifiable person must be accompanied by a signed release from that person or guardian.
7. Employees of the Vinton County National Bank Financial Family are not eligible to participate.
8. Photos can be artistically enhanced. Photos can be of any subject matter, however, no nude photos, nor untactful subjects will be permitted in the contest.
9. Failure to follow these rules will result in a disqualified entry.

Elementally Bare will be on display at the Markay Gallery from January 16 to March 7, 2020. It is composed of work from the artists Joseph G. Hamilton and Dana Elise Boggs.

Joseph G. Hamilton:

Joseph is a lifelong resident of Ohio, residing currently in the south-east corner of the state. Joe’s upbringing by a compulsive, eclectic, stay at home mother and obsessive blue-collar father has instilled creativity and attention to details in his work ethic. Influenced by his mother’s vast art text library, professional artist friends, and National Geographic Magazines strewn about the childhoods home, Joe has developed a fascination with the diversity of the human form. He is a six-year veteran of The U.S. Navy, serving as a combat medic, hospital corpsman, and x-ray technician. Four years on board and aircraft carrier traveling the Atlantic Ocean, enlightened his view of many cultures and peoples. Working comfortably in multiple mediums and extensive media, Joe focuses most of his attention on 3D Design and sculptural forms. Exhibition artistry, outdoor sculpture, and part time educator are Joseph’s focus as a professional in the diverse world of art.

Artist’s statement

Elementally Bare is an exploration of the human form and condition. In my series, Bodies Modified, cultural beauty and acceptance is represented by one’s willingness to modify their body in extreme ways. Most of these practices are still observed today in cultures around the world. My ever-evolving body of work, Disturbed Perfection, reflects the flawed nature of such a perfect creation…us.

Dana Elise Boggs:

Dana Elise Boggs is a life-long resident of Ohio and the single mother of two beautiful, grown daughters. Dana’s childhood was influenced by her artist mother and grandmother, Her mother was always involved un something creative, from making costumes for Halloween or a school play, baking and decorating cakes, and painting with her delicate stroke. Dana’s grandmother owned a fabrics and craft store where she offered classes in sewing, craft making, and painting.

Dana works in a variety of media, which begun with baking and elaborately decorating cakes. With a subtle minimalistic and abstract approach, she creates work in which fascination with the clarity of content and an uncompromising attitude towards conceptual and minimal art can be found. Dana works in several mediums, but her focus is 3D design and sculpture.

Artist’s Statement

Elementally Bare is an exploration of the human form and condition. My work represents life’s everyday pressures and liberties. Whether it be the idea of being pushed down or rising above, the relationship between the two is indisputable.

The Southern Hills Arts Council have elected four to their Board of Trustees.   The Southern Hills Arts Council Board consists of no fewer than nine and no more than fifteen (15) persons. Board members are elected by the general membership for a 3-year term. Board trustees must be members of Southern Hills Arts Council in good standing.

Elected to the Board are incumbent Cortney Leach, as well as Dorothy Riepenhoff, Laura Thorne and Dr. Nancy Russell-Fry.

Board of Trustee members have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that the organization does the best work possible in pursuit of its goals. A trustee must believe in the purpose and the mission of the organization, and act responsibly and prudently as its steward.

Some of the duties of the Board of Trustees include: attending at least 75% of board meetings, committee meetings, and special events in a calendar year; actively participate in one or more fundraising activities; and work in good faith with staff and other board members as partners towards achievement of the organization’s goals.

The results were announced during the 2017 annual membership meeting that occurred Friday, December 1, at 6 p.m. with a holiday members mixer that followed.

The Markey Cultural Arts Center will host an exhibition by Merry Cibula November 17 to December 22. The exhibition is entitled, “Wildlife and Equine Art”

Living in Cameroon, West Africa for six years (where, as a Peace Corps Volunteer, Cibula photographed and recorded the art and culture of the people of the Bamenda Grasslands. Her interest in wildlife began with a small collection of animals rescued from
the local markets and traders.

After returning to the States, she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in Painting, at Ohio University, purchased a farm near Athens, and worked as a large animal vet tech, before directing her interests in animals and photography into her art. “With the horse as my subject, I published several limited edition prints, was an illustrator for the American Quarter Horse Museum, and my work appeared on the covers and in articles of many equine publications,” Cibula said.

A member of the Society of Animal Artists for many years, Cibula’s art found new direction in wildlife. “Working in graphite and colored pencil, I approach my work with a photographer’s eye and attention to detail. Drawn to the moment—the light, the energy of the animal—I prefer close-ups focused on gesture and expression. Off-beat or unusual angles create excitement—a sense of seeing something for the first time—which I hope will encourage, in others, an appreciation for both the beauty and value of the animal I’ve drawn,” Cibula explained.

Meet Merry Cibula at her show’s opening on Friday, November 17 at 7 p.m. where she will give insight on how some of her pieces were captured, as well as what inspires her art.

The “Wildlife and Equine Art” exhibition will be open from November 17 to December 22 in the Markay Cultural Arts Center’s Gallery, 269 E. Main St., Jackson. The Gallery is open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and on weekends from 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment.

The Markay Cultural Arts Center is a project of the Southern Hills Arts Council, with operating funding through the Ohio Arts Council, The Jackson County United Fund, and various donors. Southern Hills Arts Council is a 501
(c)3 non-profit organization.

The Apple Country Quilt Show opened on Friday, July 14 at and runs until August 20, at the Markay Cultural Arts Center. Several quilts are on display.

The Apple Country Quilt Show opens on Friday, July 14 at 7 p.m. and runs until August 20 at the Markay Cultural Arts Center. Several quilts are on display. The Markay Gallery is open Wednesday to Friday noon to 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. The Markay Cultural Arts Center is located at 269 E. Main St., in Jackson.

Those having quilts on display are:

• “Feathered Star”, quilted by Cynde Wood of Jackson. The quilt pattern is multiple variations of feathered star block. It is machine stitched and quilted and was made in 2016.
• “Indigo”, quilted by Naomi Worthington of Jackson. This is an art quilt that is
• “Bow Tie”, was quilted by Betty Snyder of Jackson. The bow tie pattern was hand stitched and quilted. It was made in 2016.
• “Serenity”, was quilted by Deborah Immel of Jackson. The canoe patteren quilt was machine quilted and stitched. It was made in 2013. This quilt is for sale.
• “Split Nine Patch”, was quilted by Denise L. Armstrong of Jackson. The pattern is a variation of a 9-patch quilt, which was machine stitched and quilted. It was made in 2016-2017.
• “Bali Wedding Ring”, was quilted by Marlene Simpson of Jackson. The Bali Wedding Ring pattern was hand stitched, hand and machine quilted. It was quilted from 2013 – 2016.
• “Big Happy Flower”, was quilted by Sharon Brown of Jackson, is machine stitched and quilted. It was made in 2017.
• “Blended Families”, was quilted by Pam Jacobs of Jackson. The scrappy pattern quilt was machine stitched and quilted. It was made in 2017.
• “Cathedral Window”, was quilted by Norma White of Jackson. The parrern is scrap pieced and was hand stitched. It took Norma almost 10 years to complete.
• “Lone Star”, was quilted by Carmel Johnson of Jackson. The star pattern quilt was machine stitched and quilted. It was made in 2017. This quilt is for sale.
• “Shining Stars,” was quilted by Vivian Bevins of Jackson. The star pattern quilt was machine stitched, and hand quilted by Norma White. It was made from 2016-2017.

The Markay Gallery is open Wednesday to Friday noon to 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. The Markay Cultural Arts Center is located at 269 E. Main St., in Jackson.

The Markay Cultural Arts Center is maintained by the Southern Hills Arts Council, a not-for-profit organization.

For more on the Markay, visit www.markayjackson.org or www.southernhillsartscouncil.org.

The youth taking the Musical Theatre Workshop will be showcasing their 10-minute musicals that they have written their musicals as well as composed lyrics to tell their stories.

The musical shorts will be showcased June 22 at 7 p.m. at the Markay Cultural Arts Center. The event is free to the public.
The three-week workshop began June 5. The first week was led by Pippin Parker, a professional writer and director. Parker has written extensively for animated television series including The Tick and Pocoyo (Kineo Diamante Award, Venice Film Festival) as well as for interactive and new media. He is the older brother of actress, Sarah Jessica Parker.
The next two weeks focused on composing scripts, music and staging. Those sessions were under the direction of Minda Hager and Greg Miller of The University of Rio Grande.
This workshop is funded by the Imagine Arts Endowment/University of Rio Grande with a partnership with the Southern Hills Arts Council.
The following students will be taking part in the showcase:
• Bethany Armstrong, is a 16-year-old from Jackson. She is the daughter of Chris and Laura Armstrong. Bethany attends Oak Hill High School. Her past acting and musical experiences include portraying a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz, a Dalmatian in 101 Dalmatians, a harem girl in Aladdin, and a servant in Taming of the Shrew.
“I wanted to take this workshop because I feel like the workshop would help boost my confidence,” Bethany said as to why she participated in the workshop.
Bethany’s musical, “Growing Payne’s”, is about four sisters that slowly grow up and move their separate ways. “I wrote this musical because I feel that I have the same relationship with my family,” Bethany said.
• Savannah Crisp is the 17 year-old daughter of Crystal and Matt Crisp. She attends Jackson High School, and classes at Ohio University.
Her past acting and musical experience includes parts in Annie, The Jungle Book, Into the Woods and Emma!.
Savannah said she took the workshop, “to improve my acting skills and have new experiences.”
“The Girl in the Closet” is about a missing key and a fight and it seems there is no way out. “On the first day, someone said something about getting locked out of a closet snf it spiraled from there,” Savannah said of her inspiration for the musical.
• Marah Hager, is a 19-year-old from Rio Grande. She is the daughter of Kevin and Minda Hager . She graduated from River Valley High School. Marah is currently attending the University of Rio Grande. Marah’s past acting and musical experience includes parts in Steel Magnolias as Shelby; Emma in Emma! A Pop Musical; a girl in Hide the Horses; a ghost in a Christmas with a Welsh Accent; Small Town, Big Dreams; a waitress in That was Bob; Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew, as well as a part in The Twelfth Night.
“I was interested in participating in this workshop in the hopes of expanding my performance capabilities to support future acting challenges and pursuits. It has been a very creative adventure,” Marah said.
Marah’s musical, “Our Place” is a about the complicated avenue of miscommunication and faulty perspective, with an optimistic ending. “I wanted to explore the concept of perception and the realization that no one is exactly as you perceive them to be,” Marah explained about the inspiration to write, “Our Place”.
• Evelyn Harley, is the 13-year-old daughter of Megan Malone and Jeremy Harley. She is a student at Sts. Peter and Paul School. Her past acting and musical experience include portraying parts in The Sound of Music, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King Jr., Song of Myself, and Christmas with a Welsh Accent.
Evelyn said she participated in the workshop, ”because it looked cool and I want to work on my acting.”
For this production, Eveyln has a part in “Growing Payne’s” and “Together Forever”, a musical about two girls getting their hands glued together.
• Miriam Harley is the 15-year-old daughter of Megan Malone and Jeremy Harley. She attends Jackson High School. Her past acting and musical experiences include Ursula in Little Mermaid, Jr.,; Emma in Schoolhouse Scholars; Mother Abbess in Sound of Music Jr.; Peach in James and the Giant Peach; as well as parts in Addams Family, Song of Myself and Childs Christmas in Wales.
“I took the workshop to improve my acting ability and to have a fun time writing a musical with friends,” Miriam said.
“Just Trust Me” is about two people who learn that not everyone is trustworthy. “Real life experiences,” is what Miriam said inspired her musical.
• Kylee Hendershott is the 15-year-old daughter of Melissa and Steve Hendershott of Wellston. She attends Wellston High School. Her past acting and musical experience includes: Alice in Wonderland Jr.; At the Bandstand as Evelyn Finklestein; Gretl Von Trapp in The Sound of Music; Sebastian in The Little Mermaid Jr. “I wanted to take this workshop because I had never thought of actually creating a musical of my own and was excited to try it our as well as gaining more acting and musical experience,” Kylee explained.“How We Remember” is about an elderly couple that has been together for almost 70 years. One day, as they are enjoying the park, they notice two little girls and are moved to tell the story of how they met, however, they run into problems remembering exactly how it happened. “A while back I heard the song, “I Remember it Well” from Gigi and I always thought it was a cute and funny idea. I wanted a musical light and funny and not too serious,” Kylee said of her inspiration.
• Lillian Sizemore is the 15-year-old daughter of Katie and Phil Sizemore of Wellston. She attends Wellston High School. Her acting and musical experience include school plays and university short films. Some of her roles have included Ariel in the Little Mermaid Jr., The March Hare in Alice in Wonderland Jr., and Harriet in Emma!.
“I took the workshop to gain experience and to get to do the thing I love with the great people who always are in the workshops,” Lillian said.
“Nonromantic Getaway” is about a man and a woman who get stuck on an island freshly broken up. This gives them time to think about their feelings and moving forward. “I thought it would be fun to have a musical with a kind of unexpected way it goes. I wanted to stray away from the usual falling in love business,” Lillian said of her musical.
• Derek McCarty, is an 17-year-old Oak Hill High School student. He is the son of Roy and Tammy McCarty of Oak Hill. His past acting and musical experience include portraying a Baker in The Beauty and the Beast; the Mayor in the Wizard of Oz; Mike T.V. in Willy Wonka; Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid; Scar in The Lion King; the Genie in Aladdin, and in Small Town, Big Dreams.
“I took the workshop to improve my writing and acting capabilities,” Derek said.
Derek wrote “Brother Mine”. The musical is about two brothers who are left on their own with no money, so the older brother teaches the younger one some questionable methods of making some money. “ I have always been interested in thieves and their motivation for theft,” He said of what inspired “Brother Mine”.
• Zack McGowan, the 16-year-old son of Zack McGowan and Stephanie Cottrell, attends Jackson High School. His past acting and musical experience includes You can’t take it with you, The Little Mermaid as Prince Eric; James and the Giant Peach as James and Lucas Bieneke in Addams Family.
“I took this workshop to improve my acting skills and to become a better musician under a time limit,” Zack said of what prompted him to attend the workshop.
• Kendra Perry, just graduated from Jackson High School, She plans to attend Long Island University in the Fall. She is the 18-year-old daughter of John Perry and Michelle Sanborn. Her past acting and musical experience include Jackson High School’s productions of Annie, The Jungle Book, Into the Woods, You Can’t Take It With You, The Little Mermaid, James and the Giant Peach and the Adam’s Family. She also was part of the RTG Theatre Guild production of Emma! A Pop Musical.
“I am attending college for musical theatre and this summer I wanted to get as much experience as I could. I’ve never tried writing a show, and so that was really exciting,” Kendra explained as to what she attended the workshop.
“Misunderstandings”, focuses on a mother and son talking in their kitchen. The son, Alex, wants to tell his Mother that he is gay, but doesn’t know how. He wants to be accepted and they struggle with understanding each other. “I wanted to convey the message of acceptance and with the recent events and the celebration of Pride month, I thought this would be a great way to do it,” Kendra said of the inspiration to create her musical, “Misunderstandings”.
• Emily Polcyn is the 16-year-old daughter of Anthony and Carol Polcyn. She attends Jackson High School. Her past acting and musical experiences includes Alice Beineke in The Addams Family; Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach; Jetsam in The Little Mermaid; and Gay Wellington in You Can’t Take It With You. “After leaving high school, I want to pursue performance and writing. This workshop gives me the ability to cohesively apply both of these interests.
“Independence Day” is about the struggle of a couple, Madelyn and Max Baldwin, to reconcile their relationship after Max returns home after serving five in the war. “I wanted to express the effort required to keep a relationship working, despite conflict and that “true love finds a way’,” Emily said of the inspiration behind her musical.
• Kaltra Woltz of Coalton, is the 13-year-old daughter of Rudin Woltz and Tom Woltz. She attends Sts. Peter and Paul School. Her past acting and musical experiences include parts in The Sound of Music, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King Jr.
“I participated in the workshop because it sounded like something I would like,” Kaltra said.
“Together Forever” is about two girls who get their hands glued together.” It kind of just came to me,” Kaltra said of the inspiration behind, “Together Forever”.
Also participating in the workshop are Savannah Crisp, Zack McGowan and Lily Sizemore.
Alyssa Russell of Mason, West Virginia has been assisting the youth composing the music for their musicals, but she said that many of the youth already had an idea of a melody. She is a music teacher at Ashton Elementary in Mason, who also teaches voice and piano. She is serving as the accompanist for the musicals.

The Southern Hills Arts Council will be hosting an Art Camp June 26 to June 29, at the Markay Cultural Arts Center, 269 E. Main Street, Jackson, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The camp will give children the opportunity to unleash their imagination, while also giving them an introduction to several forms of visual art.
The camp will focus on four artists. The youth will learn about the artist, their art, as well as have hands on art activities.
Those artists are:
•  Alexander Calder, (1898-1976), was an American sculptor, known as the originator of the mobile a type of moving sculpture made with delicately balanced or suspended shapes that move in response to touch or air currents.
• Claude Monet, (1840-1926) was a French Impressionist painter, the most consistent practitioner of the movement philosophy of expressing one’s perceptions of nature.
• Georgia O’Keeffe, (1887-1986), was an American artist. She was best known for her paintings of enlarged flowers, New York skyscrapers, and New Mexico landscapes. She is recognized as the Mother of American modernism.
• Gustav Klimt, ( 862-1918), was an Austrian painter. He is noted for his paintings, murals and sketches. He is best known for his paintings of females influenced by Japanese Art. He is also known for adding gold leaf to his paintings.

Youth in grades five to eight are invited to take part in the camp.

There is a $120 fee for the camp, which includes art supplies that the campers will keep.
Two scholarships are available for interested students. To apply for the scholarships, In 250 to 500 words, answer: “Why do you enjoy art?” (Click the link for the Scholarship Application) Please submit this essay on or before June 16, (Postmarked by June 15, 2017). Scholarship winners will be notified June 19. The application form must accompany the essay,  or the name, address, age, school district, telephone and email must be included with a typed essay and returned to SHAC, Attn: Art Camp,  PO BOX 149, Jackson, Ohio 45640 or email to Dirctor of Operations Jennifer Hughes, jhughes@markayjackson.org
Campers must bring a packed lunch each day and wear appropriate clothing to create art.
The camp is limited to ten. Deadline to sign up is June 19.
The teaching staff of the camp is under the direction of Bob Eisnaugle. Instructors for the camp are Eisnaugle, Paul Brown and Debra Shumate.
Call the Southern Hills Arts Council at 740-286-6355 or email jhughes@markayjackson.org to sign up.

A free three-week Musical Theatre Workshop will be offered at the Markay Cultural Arts Center with a professional playwright and director.

The workshop is for ages 12 to 25, however registration is limited. Participants will learn how to create their own 10-minute musicals. The first week will be led by a professional writer and director, then the next two weeks will focus on composing scripts, music and staging. The public will see the end creations at at special performance, Thursday June 22 at 7 p.m.

Pippin Parker

Pippin Parker will be facilitating the workshop from June 5 to 8. Parker is a writer and director. He is the current Dean of the School of Drama and an Associate Dean of the New School College of Performing Arts. Previously at the School of Drama, he served as Chair of the MFA Playwriting program and as Director of the School, during which time he developed the school’s multidisciplinary BFA degree program. As director, Parker’s work includes Betrayed by George Packer (Lortel Award, Best Play), The Public Theater’s production of Knickerbocker by Jonathan Marc Sherman and the 24 Hour Plays. As writer, his plays have been produced in New York and Los Angeles and for radio (The Next Big Thing, NPR) and published by Playscripts, Inc.

Parker has written extensively for animated television series including The Tick and Pocoyo (Kineo Diamante Award, Venice Film Festival) as well as for interactive and new media.

As an actor Parker has appeared on the television series Law and Order and the film Margaret by Kenneth Lonergan.

Parker is a cofounder and former Artistic Director of Naked Angels theater company and has served on the leadership council of The Writers Guild of America, East.

Parker resides in New York City with his wife, Kim and daughter, Imagine. He is the older brother of actress, Sarah Jessica Parker.

June 12-15 the workshop will focus on writing scripts and musical compositions, while June 19-22 the workshop will focus on staging. Those sessions are under the direction of Minda Hager and Greg Miller.

All workshop sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon.

Workshops will be held at the Markay Cultural Arts Center, 269 E. Main St., Jackson

Participants must submit an application as soon as possible. Click the link for the application: WorkshopApplication

To pre-register call Greg Miller at 740-645-6306

This workshop is funded by the Imagine Arts Endowment/University of Rio Grande with a partnership with the Southern Hills Arts Council.

JACKSON— After an almost seven-years of fundraising, the Markay Star Campaign is coming to completion. One of the last pieces was raising the needed funds for the last star before the installation of bronze sidewalk stars could occur. 

The stars will greet those entering the Markay Cultural Arts Center, located at 269 E. Main Street, Jackson.

The installation project was put out to bid in late April, and awarded to Stockmeister Enterprises. Stockmeister crews have been on site clearing out the previous sidewalk to make way for 12 bronze stars to be installed. Masterworks Plaques of Brooklyn, New York cast the 12 bronze stars.

On May 23, new concrete was poured and finished. The bronze star plaques will be permanently installed on May 24. The plaques will remain covered however, and will not be unveiled to the public, until Sunday, May 28 at 2 p.m., where an unveiling ceremony will take place.

A crew from Stockmeister Enterprises are pictured pouring concrete where the bronze stars will be installed in front of the Markay Cultural Arts Center Tuesday. The unveiling of the bronze stars will be Sunday, May 28 at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

“The Southern Hills Arts Council is eager for the public to see the completion of this project,” said Jennifer Hughes, Director of Operations. “Without these generous donors, and those who helped fund the God Star, we still may have been in the renovation phase of the Markay,” Hughes said. “It was these funds that helped to complete the final phase of the 20-year renovation of the Markay Cultural Arts Center and finally open the theater for performances,” she added.

“We appreciate the steadfast support that Nea Henry and the late Bernadine Stockmeister gave to the star campaign, along with Lee Hamilton for helping to kick off the campaign and former Southern Hills Arts Council Executive Director Barbara Summers. Their work in gaining donors and promoting the Markay helped lead us to this finished project,” Hughes explained. “I think Bernadine would be very pleased with this accomplishment,” Hughes added.

Southern Hills Arts Council (SHAC) works to enhance the quality of life in the region by encouraging and stimulating the practice and appreciation of the arts. The Markay Cultural Arts Center, which is operated by SHAC, is an engaging environment offering a wide range of artistic experiences and quality performances. The Markay, a 1930 Art Deco movie house is owned by the City of Jackson, and leased by SHAC for $1 per year with the proviso that SHAC renovate, maintain, and operate. The Markay also houses an art gallery that showcases area artists. SHAC is actively seeking funding to transform their dated meeting room into an arts classroom, where students of all ages can come to practice and appreciate the arts.

On May 19, Ohio Valley Bank unveiled its new Markay Cultural Arts Center debit card design as part of its Community First debit card program. The Markay MasterCard® debit card is now available at all Ohio Valley Bank locations, including the Milton Banking Company Division locations.

The Markay will receive five dollars for every OVB customer that chooses to upgrade to the new card design. This debit card is the twenty-fourth local design released by Ohio Valley Bank in an effort to make a positive impact on its communities.

“We are excited to be partnering with OVB. This partnership will allow us to continue in our mission to be a vehicle for experiencing the arts in our area,” said Jennifer Hughes, Director of Operations, Southern Hills Arts Council.

The card design features a theatre stage with brilliant red curtains and the Markay’s unique, marquee-style logo. A repeating overlay of the Southern Hills Arts Council logo is the finishing touch. Through the Community First debit card program, bank account holders may upgrade the look of their debit card to one designed for their favorite local school or charity. The upgrade is available for a ten dollar fee with half donated back to the school or charity.

Designs are also available for the Jackson County Apple Festival, Jackson High School, Wellston High School, and Jackson County Friends of 4-H. Bank staff are currently working to add more local designs to the mix. Officials from schools or local charities wishing to participate in the program should email communityfirst@ovbc.com. More information on the cards and a look at the currently available designs can be found at www.ovbc.com/communitycards.

Ohio Valley Bank, established in 1872 operates 19 offices in Ohio and West Virginia. The Bank’s parent company, Ohio Valley Banc Corp., also owns Loan Central, a consumer finance company specializing in tax services. Common stock for Ohio Valley Banc Corp. is traded on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol OVBC