The folks in Mercer County are taking this Creative Community thing seriously! That's one of the reasons why we're holding the Southern West Virginia Create WV Summit at the RiffRaff Arts Collective in Princeton, WV, on April 10 from 1pm - 5pm. (That, and they offered us their space for free...Hey, times are tough. We know a sweet deal when we see one.)
Who should attend? Basically, anyone interested in building a vibrant, creative community where new economy growth can spring. That includes local government leaders, economic development leaders, non-profit and community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs and students.
If you haven't been to Princeton or the RiffRaff Arts Collective, this is a great excuse to go. Princeton is a living test bed of creative community principles as practiced by the local Create Mercer County team. As the RiffRaff Arts Collective took shape, many other artists and entrepreneurs have gobbled up space on Mercer Street in downtown Princeton.
In addition to the Summit, which will showcase best practices and outline key pillars of building a creative community for the new economy based on technology, education, diversity, quality of place and entrepreneurship, you are invited to arrive early and stay late to experience Princeton's creative community offerings:
- Have lunch at the brand new Cafe ? Where inside The RiffRaff Arts Collective.
- See the thriving community of youth immersed in the creative arts at the new Stages Music School across the street.
- View the gallery of The RiffRaff Arts Collective featuring photography, paintings, pottery, stained and blown glass and more.
- Experience the metaphysical at Sacred Ground, and view the progress in the new location, directly across from The RiffRaff AC.
- View the gallery of renowned photographer Steve Jesse at Associated Photography.
- View the new Bronze Look, a gallery and currency broker in a beautifully restored turn of the century building.
- Grab some delicious homemade candy at The Sugar Shak near the new Railroad Museum.
- Check out the new location of the Princeton Public Library, a high tech, environmentally friendly building project just a couple of blocks from The RiffRaff.
- Although there isn't an event there on April 10, it's worth checking out the beautiful new Chuck Mathena Center, a wonderful new performance venue for the region. (Kathy Mattea is performing there April 24.)
After the Summit, take a break to freshen up and then enjoy dinner and an Off-Broadway play to complete your creative experience!
Enjoy a delicious full course meal in Cafe ? Where, and afterwards, move to The Room Upstairs for "Songs For a New World," a 16 song musical presented by The RiffRaff Players. NOTE: Tickets required - Learn more and buy online.
While you're in Mercer County, you should stop by Gary Bowling's House of Art in Bluefield. Here's a sneak preview of what you'll experience:
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