ART GUILD OF GREENE

P.O. Box 657

Stanardsville, Virginia 22973

June, 2012

Dear Friend:

We’re writing to tell you about the new Art Guild of Greene and invite you to become a member.

The Art Guild was incorporated recently as the first formal arts organization in Greene County. It has three main purposes: 1) to support and promote artists in the area; 2) to organize exhibits and programs to showcase local artistic talent; and 3) to highlight Stanardsville as a center for the arts. All of these activities will benefit the community by expanding opportunities for local artists and encouraging tourists to visit art exhibits in town.

The Art Guild of Greene is all-inclusive. We seek to attract a diverse group of artists in every discipline – musicians, dancers, poets, sculptors, writers, actors, painters, wood workers, singers, photographers, craftsmen, potters, weavers, jewelers. Membership is open to everyone in Greene and the surrounding area – not only artists but all others with an interest in the arts.

With the help of The Palette Art Gallery, we have already exhibited paintings by Greene County artists at several community events, including at the Strawberry Festival on June 2 and an exhibit of more than 50 works of art at the EDA’s Business Appreciation reception on June 13.

Plans are now underway for two major public events. At the Greene County Fair, renowned Virginia photographer Glen McClure will be in the Art Guild booth on August 1st and 2nd and take photographs of Greene County residents (see his website at www.glenmcclure.com). Later this fall, the Art Guild hopes to exhibit art works at the Community Room in the new PVCC Center, with performances by the Charlottesville Ballet Academy and local musical groups.

The Art Guild also expects to receive a significant grant award from the Town of Stanardsville, which was awarded a $3,000 challenge grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. But the Town Council may challenge the Art Guild to raise as much as $1,500 before it will release those grant funds. At its July 9 meeting, the Town will consider a proposal to match the funds we raise, and that amount will be matched by the Virginia Arts Commission. So every dollar you contribute will be matched 2 to 1. The Art Guild is grateful to the Mayor and Town Council for their support and appreciates whatever additional donation you can make.

Annual membership in the Art Guild of Greene is only $25. By joining, you will not only be supporting a new organization in Greene County to benefit local artists and the community, but also will receive a periodic newsletter about our activities and reduced prices when appropriate.

A membership form is attached for your convenience. We hope you will join us. Please forward this e-mail to any of your friends who may be interested.

Sincerely,

Lillian Baird Holly Horan Ann Dye

President Vice President Secretary