About TSAC
Texas Commission on the Arts research shows a strong correlation between fine arts education and achieving success in school and work. Recognizing that the arts inspire passion, improve quality of life and have a positive economic impact on the community, a few folks began discussing an arts council and its benefits for Freestone County.
The late Lane Stripling, local civic leader and architect, helped to create and shape what Trinity Star Arts Council is today. As a founding director, Lane’s legacy is huge and far-reaching and remains TSAC’s inspiration.
Formed in late 2009, the Council is a volunteer run, not-for-profit organization dedicated to benefitting educational and cultural arts in the area.
The mission of TSAC is to present performing, literary and visual arts in Freestone County through education and participation. Its goal is to benefit citizens by providing opportunities to engage in arts-related activities and to be entertained by them.
Located in the Trinity River basin, Freestone County was the most populated and prosperous of a six-county surrounding the area which bordered the Trinity River during the 1850s and 1860s. The region was often referred to as the Heart of the Trinity Star and Freestone County became a cultural center. TSAC's vision is to once again bring the community together through the arts.
Since its beginning, TSAC has presented numerous musical events, art exhibitions, children’s literary programs, college scholarships, culinary classes and community theatre productions to Freestone County residents and guests.
The generosity of TSAC patrons, partners and sponsors make programming possible.

Pictured 2024-25 TSAC Board of Directors and Advisory Board at their new home on the Square. Standing left to right, Karen Liedy, William Shelton, Cynthia Strait, Janie Richards, Terry Dunlap, Beverly Awalt, Ashlee Daniel, Al Gibson, Shelly Burkhart, seated, DeLois Griffin, Jane Morrison and Dianne Murden. Directors and Advisors not pictured include Kim Ratcliff, Katherine Jackson, Jane Phillips, Molly Biggar, George Boyd, Meg Brown, Loften Dunlap, Jean Galley, Mandie Judd, Trish Kingsley, Glenn Scherer and Laurie Walther. (Photo courtesy of Babs Photography)
The 2024/2025 Board of Directors includes:
President: Beverly Awalt
Vice President: Kim Ratcliff
Secretary: Ashlee Daniel
Treasurer: Katherine Jackson
Directors at Large:
Shelly Burkhart
Jane Phillips
Janie Richards
The 2024/2025 Advisory Council includes:
Molly Biggar
George Boyd
Loften Dunlap
Terry Dunlap
Jean Galley
Al Gibson
Delois Griffin
Mandie Judd
Trish Kingsley
Karen Leidy
Jane Morrison
Dianne Murden
William Shelton
Glen Scherer
Cynthia Strait
Laurie Walther