History
Laying Groundwork for a immersive and inspirational creative destination
the First of its’ Kind in the Tri-State Area
River Art Works (RAW) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to inspiring creativity, enhancing learning, and fostering employment opportunities to improve the quality of life across the Greater Westmoreland Region. It was founded to serve artists, art businesses and organizations. RAW builds a stronger arts community by contributing to resilience through community development, innovative arts programs, creative technology workshops, and exhibitions. Key initiatives include ArtTEK for Teens, a dynamic program empowering youth to explore technology-driven art forms and develop creative problem-solving skills. RAW also leads the Greater Westmoreland Arts Coalition, strengthening regional arts partnerships and expanding artistic opportunities for the community. Guided by an active Board of Directors, RAW remains committed to strategic growth, innovative programming, and ensuring that traditional arts and 21st century creative technologies thrive for current and future generations.
River Art Works (RAW) was established in 2018 to promote creativity and arts education in Westmoreland County. Backed by corporations, artists, officials, volunteers, and schools, RAW is a vital community resource. After a 2023 fire, losing building and equipment, RAW recently built a small workshop to continue innovative education. In 2023 Greater Westmoreland Arts Coalition was established to build solidarity in rural arts. Sustained through grants, donations, and collaborations, RAW remains committed to community growth and engagement.
The Victorian to Mid Modern ages were the shining years for the arts in Westmoreland and surrounding Counties. The need to encourage and support the growing number of art centers was evident to the artists who established a hub. During this prolific time the region supported many globally recognized artists. The hub was later absorbed by a larger organization, then disbanded in 1990 as their scope of service was narrower than the hub’s regional focus. Since the loss of this hub, art center numbers declined by 30% with two more near extinction. These are some favorite statics presented by the PA Art and Culture Caucus in 2022:
River Art Works research shows that these numbers can be greatly increased right here in Westmoreland County. Given a hybrid opportunity as blended entrepreneurial and non-profit in the right location could add millions to these numbers. The well-developed tourism belt between 7 Springs Ski Resort to Ligonier would provide a solid base that is not commonly found. We seek to place the center on this belt.
In the meantime, we continually work to expand our impact, working within communities. We began to develop relationships in the youthful and creative community with ArtTEK for TEENS. We began rebuilding the hub by gathering the arts together as the Greater Westmoreland Arts Coalition. We have established interesting fundraisers and community events.
River Art Works is a 501c3 and EITC tax status with great potential to: increase tourism, quality STEAM employment training, reverse population decline and be the first artist retreat in Westmoreland county. CNN has listed River Art Works as one of a 1000 Points of Light, are platinum on Candid, and are certified as EITC ready.