The Copper Country Community Arts Council (CCCAC) was established in 1972 to serve the residents in the Upper Peninsula counties of Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon. In 1992 the CCCAC in partnership with the four other community-based organizations and a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) established the Community Arts Center (CAC). The partnership included the City of Hancock, Suomi college (now Finlandia University), the Hancock Downtown Development Authority and the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region. The CCCAC with community support and a Michigan Equity Grant in 1995 purchased the building. In 1996 the CCCAC launched a capital campaign and implemented two stages of renovations of the building. Since its inception the CCCAC has grown from a group of people that cultivated artistic exchange to a multifaceted arts organization that owns and operates an arts center with a large sales gallery representing local and regional artists, exhibit galleries, classroom and studios. The CAC provides opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages to experience art and art making. __CCCAC/CAC activities include annual events and programs such as Houghton Spring Art and Music Festival (2002), Poor Artists Sale (1976), a two week Summer Arts Camp (1985), Art in the Garden (1997); MCACA regional re-granting agency for the Western Upper Peninsula (1997); recipient of Community PARTners Artist-in-Residence grants (2003,04); monthly exhibits in the Kerredge Gallery and the Youth Gallery, a vibrant and ever-changing sales gallery, year round classes for youth and adults, professional development series for artists, installation of artwork in local businesses, high school and college internships, production of a monthly newsletter, and lectures/workshops with visiting artists, gallery talks, critiques, and tours by schools and community groups.