ArtsLink, the arts council of Wetzel and Tyler counties, celebrates its 22^nd birthday, as well as the acquisition of the Francis Creative Arts Center, on Thursday, July 13, at 5:30 pm at the Francis Center. The Center is located at the corner of Maple Avenue and Washington Street in downtown New Martinsville. The public is cordially invited to attend. The Wetzel Tyler Chamber of Commerce will also have a ribbon cutting.

ArtsLink’s annual Concert Series, art exhibits, classes, and other arts activities have delighted audiences annually, as have children’s theater productions. A production of The Princess and the Pea by the Missoula Children’s Theatre is planned with auditions on July 24 and 2 shows on July 27. A mini-grant program gives financial support to local artists and arts organizations. Much of the success of the organization can be attributed to its nearly 300 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.” 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, EQT Foundation, Hope Gas Foundation, Walmart Foundation, the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, the Harry E. & Olive T. Barth Charitable Trust, and the Stealey Community Fund.

Event sponsorships are matched with grants from the West Virginia Division of Arts, Culture and History and the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. Neighborhood Investment Program state tax credits are also available for qualifying donations.

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.