The Appalachian Arts Alliance is a 501 c3 rural arts organization based in the heart of downtown Hazard, KY. The Appalachian Arts Alliance owns and operates the ArtStation, a center for all things arts and culture. This former Greyhound Bus Station opened in July 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Since its opening the ArtStation has been the center of downtown revitalization and economic development. In 2022, AAA had a reach of just over 10K participants in individualized programming, community based programming, community events and more. The Appalachian Arts Alliance is currently in a place of growth, as we are increasing staffing, and building capacity. With the launch of a 3-million dollar capital campaign this year, the organization is on its way to remodeling the second story of the ArtStation to create office and instruction space, meeting space, and storage. With the addition of the second-floor space, AAA will be able to expand in multiple capacities. While 2023 is the 10-year anniversary of the Appalachian Arts Alliance, our organization struggled to find our identity and role that we played in the community for several years. With true Appalachian Resiliency, a community with the desire for arts, and creativity, and the support of many donors, funders, and philanthropists, our organization now plays a vital role in defining what is possible in Appalachia, as we navigate through a post-coal, pandemic, and flooded economy. Can’t find what you’re looking for here? Stop by the ArtStation, pay us a visit, and let us tell you the role that the arts have played in reshaping our community and region.
Tim Deaton, Executive Director
“Appalachian Arts Alliance infuses education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment to ensure the creative economy is a driving force in redefining what is possible in Appalachia.”
“Sustaining and Inspiring Appalachia’s Future through equitable access to Arts Education.”
The Appalachian Arts Alliance, its officers, and staff, in alignment with our Mission and Vision, strive to create an environment where all members of the human race have equitable access to quality arts education and community empowerment opportunities and programming. We believe that true Appalachian resiliency and strength comes from our diversity. AAA celebrates the visible and invisible qualities that make each of us unique, including race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, religion, national origin, gender identity, and other identities. The Appalachian Arts Alliance is committed to continuing to grow a creative and prosperous community by aligning our culture and practices to be a beacon of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people.
Timothy W. Deaton-Conway (Tim) is the Executive Director of the Appalachian Arts Alliance, Inc., where he brings creativity, energy, and vision to everything he touches. Born and raised in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, Tim studied Music and Theatre Education at Morehead State University before heading to New York City, where he performed in a variety of theatrical and operatic productions. Yet the mountains called him home, and he returned, ready to invest his talents in the community that shaped him.
Since taking the helm at AAA in 2019, Tim has led the organization through some of its most transformative moments. From the construction and opening of the ArtStation to guiding the Alliance through the challenges of a global pandemic and historic flooding. Under his leadership, AAA has grown into a hub for creativity and innovation, bringing people together, inspiring new programs, and helping to redefine what the arts can do for Appalachian communities.
A trained vocalist, actor, and dancer, Tim blends artistry with strategy, vision with action. His work goes beyond performance and programming. He builds connections, strengthens communities, and uses the arts as a force for revitalization and cultural preservation.
Tim lives in Rowdy, Kentucky, with his husband Chad and their son Jake on Chad’s families historic farm, established in 1856, a place that reflects the enduring spirit of Appalachia that Tim celebrates in every facet of his work.
Director of Education
Lindsey Branson is from Viper, Kentucky. That’s the place where she fell in love with all things that involve the arts. Always participating in choirs, singing competitions, and that eventually led to playing instruments.
Since moving back home, Lindsey has achieved remarkable milestones in her musical career. In addition to her solo work, she performs in two all-female bands, The Mountain Laurels and Coal Town Dixie, showcasing her versatility and passion for collaboration.In 2023, Lindsey had the opportunity to work with the Louisville Orchestra and composer Lisa Bielawa to create an original piece of music titled Home, which she toured twice across the Commonwealth. This experience also allowed her to share the stage with acclaimed artists such as Teddy Abrams, Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra, and renowned musician Chris Thile.
In 2025, she returned to perform with the Louisville Orchestra once again, premiering another original work, Little Bird, further solidifying her place as a dynamic and innovative artist.
Director of Operations
Creative Lead; Theatre & Dance
Administrative Arts Intern
Growing up, Tagan loved all things involving the arts which lead her to her receiving a BFA aimed in musical theatre from Eastern Kentucky University. She’s trained in classical voice for 9 years, studying under Dr. Vertrelle Mickens and Dr. Freida Gebert.
Tagan has sang all across the state in musicals such as The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, The Marvelous Wonderetts and many more. Singing in Europe to Las Vegas.
Originally from Central Kentucky, Tagan & her family has called Eastern Kentucky home for over a decade.
Tagan joined the Appalachian Arts Alliance in 2020 as the organization’s newest Dance Instructor. In 2021, she stepped into the role of Director for the ArtStation Jr. Players, leading AAA’s first production of Elf Jr. The Musical.
Over the past five years, Tagan has taught dance through AAA and directed more than eight productions across both the Jr. Players and Community Productions. In 2025, her dedication and leadership earned her the distinction of becoming AAA’s first Creative Lead, where she now oversees all theatre and dance programs.
Not only does Tagan enjoy theatre and dance, she enjoy music! Through the Appalachian Arts Alliance, she met her bandmate and formed a female duo group, The Mountain Laurels.
Brack Messer first joined the Appalachian Arts Alliance through a summer internship that was offered to him while he was at Perry Central High School (PCCHS). Since then, Brack’s performance was so stellar, he was asked to continue his work with AAA and he is now an Administrative Art Intern. Brack is an alumnus of PCCHS, where he graduated in May of 2025. While at PCCHS he was a part of the Perry County Commodore Players (2022-2025). During his time with the Perry County Commodore Players, Brack was awarded “Drama Spirit” two years in a row and was also awarded “Leading Man” in his Senior year. During Brack’s time with the company, they competed in several competitions where The Commodore Players took home several awards, including but not excluding “KTA Regionals” (2022-2025) and also placed 2nd in the yearly “EKDAS“ Festival. Brack played several roles throughout his time with the company, including Wadsworth, “Clue”, Chase, “Cry of the Peacock”, etc.
Outside of PCCHS, Brack enrolled at Hazard Community & Technical College (VOTEC) where he plans to pursue a degree as an Electrician. He has classes weekly where he is learning how to wire up residential housing and industrial. Other than his schooling, Brack was raised right in Hazard and plans to stay here for the foreseeable future. Brack has several hobbies which include: fishing, listening to music, and ink-block printmaking. During his internship with the AAA, he got to make several connections with the people of Hazard. He was even able to leave his own special mark on the town of Hazard along with him and several other interns they came up with a special mural to commemorate a school long shutdown in Hazard. Liberty Street High School. The mural now stands behind The Grand which is located on Main Street in Hazard. Brack hopes to continue his work with the AAA to make a difference in the community and make the streets of Hazard a more loving and creative place.
Bailey Richards, President
Stacie Fugate, Vice President
Chris Jarrell, Treasurer
Luke Glaser, Secretary
Frances Everage
Dewey Bocook
Jonathan Piercy
Beverly Osborne
All board-related questions, concerns, and communications can be sent to: Luke Glaser by emailing: luke.glaser@hazard.kyschools.us