Through the GCA funds, ART in SpARTa: The Sequel was able to engage additional tactics to reach an even broader public. This outreach helped alert our neighboring counties of a burgeoning art community here in rural Hancock County.

This grant was ultimately designed to help us find our local artists, give them the confidence to share their art with the public, and the knowledge to make money from their creations. These are some of the stories created from the event:

• A new artist, shy about her skills, was thrilled when a festival visitor commissioned her to create two pieces of art.
• The director of the gallery in the neighboring city invited one of the festival vendors to exhibit their art at his gallery. This was the first time this adult day care facility had pursued art for its clients. It helped the facility meet its objectives, to keep its clients involved with meaningful activities and to keep them engaged with the community. Also, this was a fundraiser for the center to help the clients take a trip.
• Lauren and Hannah Reed, teen homeschoolers, showcased for the first time their line of S&A Sewing Store products of aprons, table runners, baby blankets and more.  They are excited about future exhibit opportunities.

Each story is an example of how this event has grown the local art community. Our artists remain excited. We plan to continue that excitement as we identify opportunities for our artists to grow throughout the year.