In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael visits the soon-to-open ShenArts Collective to talk with Lisa Fisher, Executive Director for Shenandoah Arts Council.
Lisa explains that setting up an artist co-op has been a long-standing dream for the Shenandoah Arts Council. The council aims to fill a gap in Winchester's art scene, as many surrounding towns already have artist co-ops but Winchester did not. The conversation reveals how the space for the ShenArts Collective became available on the Old Town Walking Mall in downtown Winchester. The ShenArts Collective will operate under the umbrella of the Shenandoah Arts Council but will have its own founding board and artists. The collective is looking for founding board members and artists who will be voted in through a jurying process. The council also seeks volunteers with diverse skills such as marketing, event planning, and finance to help run the collective efficiently.
Janet and Lisa discuss the importance of artist collectives for local artists. Lisa points out that artist collectives provide a platform for artists to showcase their work, which is crucial in smaller cities lacking galleries. Collectives typically take lower commissions from artists, focusing on supporting and promoting them.
In addition to the collective, Lisa shares information about the Shenandoah Arts Council's other projects. They have an art exhibit opening at Winchester Regional Airport on December 12, featuring large statement pieces. This initiative was started by their previous executive director, Lisa Sipp, and aims to display art year-round. Janet notes that large pieces make a significant impact and are well-suited for airport displays.
Youth Art Month is another major project by the Shenandoah Arts Council. They are currently calling for submissions, open to children from grades K-12. This year's exhibit will be hosted at a new location to make the art more accessible to the public. It will be held at the courthouse, a space they had not previously considered. The exhibit will run through March, and selected artworks will be featured on Artscape banners throughout the city.
Janet and Lisa discuss how sponsoring an Artscape banner can be a unique way to honor someone or promote a business. Sponsors receive the banners at the end of the year, allowing them to create their own outdoor galleries. Additionally, the council has locked in last year's sponsorship price until the end of the year, making it an excellent time for potential sponsors to get involved.
Lisa encourages listeners to visit the Shenandoah Arts Council's website (shenarts.org) for more information and to sign up for their newsletter. The ShenArts Collective also has its own site (shenartscollective.com) where people can sign up for that newsletter. Lisa emphasizes the importance of following them on social media, as they regularly share updates about their activities and other local arts events.
