LEWISTOWN - While Pennsylvania artists have been hit hard by the recession, some seek new opportunities and signs for hope in the future.

When the 41st Mifflin-Juniata Arts Festival opens May 16 in Lewistown's Rec Park, it will do so with a new president. Lewistown artist Damien Henry now helms the Mifflin-Juniata Arts Festival Council, bringing a new vision to one of the area's oldest arts festivals.

Henry and his wife, Sharon, run Mana Moon Studio, and have participated in the festival in previous years.

"When my wife and I saw that the festival was in danger of going away, we had to do something," Henry said.

Last year, longtime festival organizers Paul and Thiry Olbrich announced they would undertake a less active role in future festivals, prompting Henry and others to adopt vacated positions. While Henry announced he would continue many festival traditions, he also plans changes, including an arts scholarship to a deserving local student.

"I believe we should support local artists and student artists throughout the year, provide support to the art teachers at our local schools, and I would like to make art awareness a year-round thing," he said.

Henry's sentiments were echoed by council member Kelly Sunderland.

"We don't want to change its dedication to being a vehicle for talented local artists to show their work," Sunderland said. "We have a lot to offer and need to do a better job of promoting that."

The festival is an annual event featuring artists, crafters, musicians and food vendors.