Arts Link

ArtsLink News Page

ArtsLink, the arts council of Wetzel and Tyler counties, will kick off its 18th year with the annual meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, January 14, at the Francis Creative Arts Center. The public is invited and light refreshments will be served.

The handicapped-accessible center is located at the corner of Maple Avenue and Washington Street.

Board members to be elected to another term include Barbara Vincent and Amanda McPherson.

During the annual meeting, the board will take a look back at the past year’s successes and reflect on the history of the organization. They anticipate a good turnout of members so they can seek input on goals and activities for the coming year. The public is urged to attend. Also, Carla McBee, manager and trainer at CAM Safety, will be speaking about safe driving during the winter months.

Since its inception in 2001, ArtsLink has had many successes, starting with the $100,000 renovation to the Francis Creative Arts Center, named for the late Elizabeth Francis. The building was donated by her husband, Jack Francis, to West Virginia Northern Community College for use as an arts center. An annual Concert Series, art exhibits, classes and other arts activities have delighted audiences annually, as have children’s theater productions. A mini-grant program gives financial support to local artists and arts organizations. Major partners include West Virginia Northern Community College and the New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Commission. Additional support for ArtsLink’s activities is provided by WETZ & WYMJ Radio, Ohio Valley Online, the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, and the Stealey Community Fund.

Much of the success of the organization can be attributed to its over 200 members and generous donors, including EQT Foundation, Dominion Foundation, and John J. Mensore, whose major donation was honored with the naming of the downstairs gallery the “John C. and Catherine Mensore Gallery.” Event sponsorships are matched with grants from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. Neighborhood Investment Program state tax credits are also available for qualifying donations.

Following the annual meeting, the new board of directors will meet to elect officers.

Additional information concerning ArtsLink is available online at www.artslinkwv.org. ArtsLink is committed to making the arts accessible to all. Those needing assistance to take advantage of ArtsLink’s activities are invited to call 304-455-2278 for more information.

ArtsLink board members present at the annual Safety Award ceremony included, back row, from left: Terry Wiley,
Barbara Vincent, Laura Kane, Dan Henthorn, Jane Knight, Scarlet Hood, Amanda McPherson, and Fawn Price;
front row: Bob DeFrancis, Brian Rogers, Miranda Rogers,
Clara Glover, and Debbie Bennett.

At the March meeting of the ArtsLink Board of Directors, Safety Committee Chairperson Clara Glover presented the annual Safety Award to ArtsLink president, Miranda Rogers. Ms. Rogers accepted the award on behalf of the membership. Glover remarked, “This award marks another year of commitment to safety by the ArtsLink membership.” Among the safety-related activities undertaken by the organization are a safe-driving presentation at the annual meeting and facility inspections prior to ArtsLink concerts and other functions.

ArtsLink is the arts council for Wetzel and Tyler counties and is committed to making the arts accessible to all. Upcoming activities include the Summer Coffeehouse Series and the Wayward Players production of Seussical, JR.

Support for ArtsLink’s programming is made possible with financial assistance from West Virginia Northern Community College, the City of New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Commission, WETZ/WYMJ Radio, EQT Foundation, Dominion Foundation, Ohio Valley Online, Libby’s Kids Ministry, and the Wells Inn. ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible. Persons with special needs may contact ArtsLink at 304-455-2278 for assistance.

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ArtsLink receives a donation from Dominion
Resources Services. Pictured left to right are, Carolyn Hizer, Mary Rohrig, Amanda McPherson, Miranda Rogers, Barbara Vincent, Scarlet Hood, Jane Knight, Larry Tackett, Clara Glover, and Brian Rogers.

Members of the ArtsLink Board of Directors recently received a donation from Dominion Resources Services, Inc. ArtsLink, the arts council for Wetzel and Tyler counties, will use the funding to support arts programs in area schools. Dominion and its philanthropic arm, The Dominion Foundation, annually award about $20 million to causes that protect the environment, promote education and help meet basic human needs.

The Foundation is dedicated to improving the physical, social and economic well-being of the communities served by Dominion companies, which also invest in communities through programs and volunteer activities. Christine Mitchell, Dominion’s local external affairs representative noted that Foundation grants are funded by shareholder dollars and are not borne by customers. “We are happy to support ArtsLink, and hope that it can continue to enhance the teaching of the arts to our local children,” said Mitchell.

For information on ArtsLink’s activities, please call 304-455-2278. ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible. Persons with special needs may contact ArtsLink to request assistance.

ArtsLink Website Gets Support

The ArtsLink, Inc., website is now being hosted by a local software management company. Ohio Valley Online, a division of Prosite Business Solutions, LLC, is helping ArtsLink to get its message across to residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley area. The ArtsLink website is www.artslinkwv.org. Ohio Valley Online is located at 732 Third Street in New Martinsville, next to Sounds Incredible.

"The ArtsLink website is a great place to check for news about the organization, become a member or donor, or check out photos from recent events," said Fran Caldwell, ArtsLink president. "We are extremely grateful to Ohio Valley Online for their help."

The ArtsLink website was originally designed by David McCartney II, son of Dave McCartney, CFO at Wetzel County Hospital and a former ArtsLink board member, as a senior project for his college degree. Ohio Valley Online took over the hosting of the website to make it easier for ArtsLink personnel to receive local technical support.

     "We are now able to quickly update the site and keep our information current",
Caldwell said.  Ohio Valley Online specializes in web design and hosting database enabled websites where companies can post images, text, products and events themselves without the ongoing need of a web designer.

Parent company Prosite Business Solutions, LLC was established in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1998 by the husband and wife Information Technology team of Cindy and Jason Warren, specializing in Ecommerce Websites, Quick Books Training, MS Access database development and overall IT solutions. In September 2001, Prosite rolled out Pro Business Tools (SM) installation management tools and scheduling software were rolled out to companies nationwide to help them better manage their service business.

In 2002, Prosite added an east coast location in New Martinsville, Cindy (Willey) Warren's hometown. More information about Prosite is available online at www.probusinesstools.com.

ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility
wherever possible. Accessible seating is available for all
events. Persons with special needs may contact
us at 304-455-2278 to request assistance.

Comments and Suggestions can be sent to:
Webmaster -- Mark Carl Fawcett -- artslink@artslinkwv.org