This past month, a number of artists, business, economic development, and tourism leaders met with 50 artists from around the Fredericksburg region to identify opportunities to expand and build a regional arts economy. Hosted by Stafford County, the Clark Hulings Fund brought together its experience and expertise for a three-day program designed to foster an art economy and encourage artists as business entrepreneurs. The City of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County and The University of Mary Washington were also sponsors of the event.

The Thriving Arts Exchange, held at Gari Melcher’s Home and Studio at Belmont, focused on crafting a regional arts economy. The program, facilitated by Shem Cohen, allowed participants to share their vision, identify opportunities, and discover impediments to reaching that vision. MORE>>