Show Your #ArtfeltTHANKS for Local COVID-19 Helpers

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May 18, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 15, 2020 
 
  
                     ​Contact: ​Ann Leatherwood 540.801.8779 Ann@valleyarts.org 
 
Show Your #ArtfeltTHANKS  for Local COVID-19 Helpers 
 
HARRISONBURG, VA – ​Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) and Rockingham Fine Arts Association (RFAA, formerly Spitzer Art Center) are collaborating with Riner Rentals on #artfeltTHANKS. The effort was launched to use the talents of local artists to express appreciation to healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers who are stepping forward heroically to help our community cope with COVID-19. 
 
Artists are creating yard signs to say “thank you” to those who are putting their lives on the line during these demanding times. Proceeds from yard sign sales will be split equally between the artists and the ​RMH Foundation Crisis Response Fund.  
 
Yard signs are available for online purchase ($25 each) at ​valleyarts.org​, where sign pickup/delivery information is available. 
 
“The arts are vital to our lives,” noted ACV Executive Director Jenny Burden. “We especially realize that importance during this crisis, when our hearts are lifted - and connected - through visual and performing arts experiences shared online when we can’t be together.” 
 
“The #artfeltTHANKS project is a way to use the arts to express our deep appreciation for the people who are caring for us and keeping our community rolling right now,” added RFAA Director and lead artist Ashley Sauder Miller, “while also providing some income for artists, who are among the many people who’ve been negatively impacted by the economic fallout from COVID-19.” 
 
"The project is a perfect way for all of us to support the local artists who make our community a wonderful place to live, while also thanking the frontline heroes keeping us healthy and safe during this unprecedented time," noted Riner Rentals owner Paul Riner. "The real heart behind this project is for artists to be supported, neighbors working on the front lines to be thanked, and our community to celebrate both groups," he concluded. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Participating artists include: Angus Carter, Gayle Driver, Barb Gautcher, Zach Gesford, Jeff Guinn, Brenda Hounshell, Tyler Kauffman, Lana Lambert, Ashley Sauder Miller, Keith Mills, Emily Quesenberry, Viktoriya Samoylov, and Brandy Somers.  The organizers anticipate adding other artists to the project. 
 
Artist stipend sponsor is Riner Rentals.  Print sponsors are Bank of the James, GreeneHurlocker PLC, HCPS Fine Arts, and Truck It.  
 
For more information, visit valleyarts.org. 
 
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About Arts Council of the Valley Now celebrating its 20th year, Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to cultivating the arts and connecting communities in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Since its establishment, ACV has grown into a multi-faceted community organization that fosters innovative partnerships among area businesses, civic organizations, schools, and artists. Today, ACV manages Court Square Theater and Smith House Galleries, supports childhood learning by way of the Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley initiative, funds local art projects through its Advancing the Arts grant program, and coordinates monthly First Fridays Downtown community gatherings. To learn more, visit valleyarts.org 
 
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