Gallery Uses $5,000 Grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts to Launch New “CSA” Initiative

Last spring the Town of Berryville applied for $5,000 Local Government Challenge Grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The criteria for evaluation included:

• Artistic quality of the organizations supported by the town
• Clearly defined policies and procedures for awarding local funds to arts organizations
• Degree of involvement of artists and arts organizations in the local process of awarding grants
• Responsiveness to community needs
• Evidence of local government support for the arts  

When the town received the grant, Town Planner and Berryville Main Street Board Member, Christy Dunkle proposed using some of the funds to launch a “CSA” or Community Support ART initiative in Berryville. The CSA is modeled on the Community Support Agriculture movement, which encourages consumers to buy seasonal foods directly from local farms.

The plan is to recruit three artists -- each of whom will receive a $500 stipend -- to create 25 pieces of artwork for the program. Their finished pieces will be placed in boxes together with other items such as tickets to performances and events. The boxes will sell for $50. Purchases will be invited to a special reception at the Fire House Gallery to pick up their boxes, enjoy light refreshments and meet the participating artists.

And everyone benefits. Artists gain increased exposure. Purchases get a great value. And local businesses enjoy increased traffic to their stores and restaurants.

For more details or to purchase a box contact Christy Dunkle at 540 955-4081.