by Rhonda Dedyne
Kaye Pilmore didn’t officially “start” the Clinton County Arts Council back in 1981, but her devotion and absolute commitment to the arts – in all its shapes and forms – provided the spark that moved the organization forward.
“A number of wonderful people were involved in those early years, but Kaye’s dedication and passion for the arts was instrumental – she really WAS the Clinton County Arts Council,” Jenny McCampbell, one of the founding members, says about the vibrant lady who passed away Jan. 25.
It was rough going for the fledging organization in the early ’80s – times were tough. Funding a start-up organization dedicated to the arts was a challenge, to say the least. Kaye and others like her – Bill Richards, Bill Tennant, Jenny and Gary McCampbell, Pasqua Warstler, Sally White, Maxine Strahle, to name a few – refused to give up. Their tenacity helped the CCAC survive.
Kathy Smith, Geraldine Workman and Lora Thom joined Kaye for this photo taken in one of the early galleries on Clinton Ave.
Kaye helped guide the group’s reorganization in the spring of 1985, ultimately resulting in its acquisition of 501(c-3) status. Fund-raising efforts were revived; the board was rejuvenated; and with Jon Tury’s donation of a venue, the Clinton County Gallery and Gift Shop officially opened Sept. 22, 1985 in River Run Pottery near the intersection of North Clinton Avenue and BR-27.
Kaye was named as the Gallery’s director – the first of several “homes” where she served tirelessly over the next two decades.
“She was everything at the Gallery, no matter where it was housed,” Jenny says, citing Kaye’s involvement with the start up of multiple projects like the CCAC’s traveling art displays that brought beauty to numerous businesses in Clinton County, the Art In the Park summer youth program, and her work with both youth and adults at Peckham.
Kaye was passionate about providing a space for local artists to display their works – Florence Horn, Doris Jarrel, Penny Tahvonen and so many others were frequent exhibitors. At the same time, her many connections around the state and country allowed the Gallery to secure exhibits and displays from outside Clinton County’s confines. An early exhibit in April 1986, “The Color of Light” involved Kaye transporting gorgeous glass artwork in her trusty van. She reported being “terrified” of having a valuable piece break enroute – but the exhibit arrived safely.
Visual arts weren’t Kaye’s only love. Music, dance, theatre all had a home in her heart and soul. She was one of a few visionaries who saw potential in a performing venue at the St. Johns City Park, helping guide the planning process that resulted in construction of the “new” Performance Shell that replaced the dated band shell at the park. Thousands of people who enjoy music there each week during the summer months have Kaye and other art-friendly folks to thank for those lovely sounds – all free for everyone to hear.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to a wonderful lady whose life – and love of art – makes each of us better.
Kaye and Bill Tennant presided over the opening of the Performance Shell at the City Park in 2004.