OUR MISSION is to cultivate creativity,
facilitate collaborations, educate the creatives,
harmonize artistic tradition and creative technology in the
Greater Westmoreland Region
Art Tournament 2025
RIVER
ART WORKS
Since August 2018, River Art Works has worked to transform the artistic and cultural landscape of our region. This nonprofit, River Art Works, aims to create a comprehensive traditional arts and creative technology destination, focusing on both artistic expression and educating future artists about the business side of art. From 2018 to 2024, the organization actively engaged with the community through local events, fundraising, and offering art classes. Hardships like destructive fire to meeting space and equipment, and raising funds for expensive equipment (twice!) were overcome.
PROGRAMS
Covid immediately diverted monies from the arts. This led to a challenge by our donors; develop one of the areas you planned to build after the art destination is developed. This led to the creation of ArtTEK for TEENS, an after-school program blending workforce development with rural revitalization utilizing creative measures. This initiative provides workshops in drone, videography, holography, 3D printing, and filmography, equipping high schoolers with employable CAD skills while fostering creativity. By addressing barriers like transportation, River Art Works ensures these workshops reach neighborhoods throughout the region.
Collaborations with local educators and arts organizations have strengthened River Art Works’ mission. The Greater Westmoreland Arts Coalition, promotes regional artistic sustainability and community goodwill. Together, they work to highlight the positive impact of art on community health, dispelling misconceptions and fostering professional growth within the arts industry. www.gwacoalition.org
Looking ahead, the organization is focused on developing an arts and creative technology destination with tourism as sustainability to further its mission. This destination will include a futuristic creative technology center that provides a window into the global stage, a business center that offers shared grant writers and business assistance, workspaces for a broad genre of arts, commissary that also teaches advanced skills, sleeping quarters, walking gardens, gallery, and amphitheatre that are open to the public.
THE NEED
IMMEDIATE: A feasibility study, requiring matching funds, is critical to evaluating its success.
UPCOMING: Donors who commit to the vision and the need, as well as Building Sponsors
River Art Works continues to seek philanthropic support to realize its vision of empowering communities through art and education. River Art Works remains dedicated to fostering a thriving artistic ecosystem, enriching lives, and adding strength to the region through supportive collaborations. We all win when we have a healthy and vibrant community that is attractive for generations to come.
Would you please join us in our effort to leave behind an impact that will be felt for generations? Please give generously!
Thank you!
Jane Altman, Founder