Founded in 1977, the Etowah Arts Commission exists to promote and sponsor artistic activities for the Etowah community. The Nancy Cantrell Dender Gallery is open FREE to the public during office hours. Each year EAC sponsors the Cousin Jake Memorial Bluegrass Festival as well as the area's most important educational event: the Young Authors' Conference. The gallery space is used to showcase local artists, school art shows, and partners with other community groups to bring the many forms of art to Etowah.