Breaking News
Local News

Huntingdon County Arts Council launches rebrand

By Colette Costlow 3 min read

HUNTINGDON -- Community members gathered inside the Huntingdon County Arts Council building Thursday morning to celebrate the company's official rebrand, marking the beginning of a new era.

Executive Director John Kearns and board President Susan Wentzel unveiled their new logo to the audience, featuring shapes and colors inspired by the building's stained glass windows.

Designed by Juniata College students enrolled in the Community Design Lab, the new logo represents a major milestone for the nonprofit, as they've been renovating their new home at the Methodist church on 313 12th St. for more than four years, Kearns said.

However, he said many passersby today don't realize the council lives inside the former church, which is why their new signage featuring the logo can flip that narrative.

"We used the emphasis of now we're here, we're established, we're growing, it's time to take a fresh look at our image and get it out there," he said.

Along with their new logo, the council also introduced their updated website and positioning statement Thursday.

According to Wentzel, five council members met with Juniata College associate professor Ryan Kough and his students enrolled in his integrated media arts class during the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.

When the students toured the arts council building, Wentzel said their stained glass windows inspired students and resulted in the various shapes and colors included in the logo.

"And for me, that's a perfect way to unite the history of this place, and of the arts council and of the new directions we can pull in," she said before unveiling the logo to the audience.

Drawing inspiration from the new logo, recent Messiah University graduate Audrey Wilson helped design interior and exterior signage, using Canva and the council's style guide to piece together the final product.

As a Huntingdon resident, she said it was an honor that the arts council incorporated her work.

"I've really enjoyed being part of this team and getting to know some of the people that are a part of this," she said. "They're really amazing."

After the logo unveiling, attendees were invited to mill about the arts council building, where framed art was on display and new merchandise, such as T-shirts and mugs, were available for purchase.

A scale model of downtown Huntingdon was also on display in the basement, recently created by local children during the council's kid art summer camp. More information about the project can be found in the accompanying story.

According to Wentzel, the council also expanded its programs, outreach and volunteers since they purchased the church in 2022. They also expanded their board from 12 to 17 members.

She said many people don't see the grunt work completed by council and community members from the outside, but "You all are going to see this."

"We're doing the same things, bigger and better, but now we have a new look to go with it," she said.

The new logo not only represents the council's relocation, but also its evolution over the last 50 years, Huntingdon County Commissioner Patrick Reeder said.

He said rebranding can also bring more people into the building, as members are trying to bridge the gap with outside visitors as well.

The shapes included in the new logo can also represent the different parts of Huntingdon County working together, he said.

"It's more than a logo," he said. "It's a rebranding for the whole council."

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.

Starting at /week.