Kudos to Dan Bauer for his Oct. 25 article, titled “Embrace the arts to strengthen our country” (Butler Eagle, Page A4), in which he explained how the arts “build community, friendships, joy and love.”

My experience volunteering for the Associated Artists of Butler County (AABC) over the years confirms this is true; I’ve witnessed the positive changes in students of all ages who unleash their creativity, hidden talent and self-confidence when participating in and socializing with others in art classes.

The Butler Art Center & Gallery is home to the AABC, Butler County’s oldest nonprofit art institution. We offer affordable art classes taught by experienced instructors in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Imagine how this alternative to lonely doom scrolling and threats caused by online radicalization can have a positive impact on our children!

In addition to art classes, the AABC offers free art exhibits, where artists of all ages get to proudly display their work and socialize with friends, family and community members.

Located at 314 S. Main Street, right across from the post office, we’re open Wednesdays through Saturdays, from noon to 5 p.m. Stop in for a visit and a cup of coffee to see how our art classes and free art exhibits can help strengthen and benefit our community!

Paul W. Scanlon, president, Associated Artists of Butler County

West Sunbury