Artists in Middleburg (AiM), founded originally by Peter Wood, is now directed by Sandy Danielson who intends to lead the local group of artists, enthusiasts and supporters toward an exciting future for the area.

The group's first gallery exhibition, 'Chaos Revisited,' will open October 1st at 102 Washington Street (formerly Betsey's) and will run through October 31st. The AiM website, www.artistsinmiddleburg.org, will also host virtual exhibitions with monthly themes.

Founded as a casual group of artists by Wood who passed the baton to Danielson when he left the group as manager to head MAP, the Middleburg Art Project, AiM's executive committee intends to take the concept to a higher level of national awareness.

"Our mission is to develop, organize and strengthen the local visual and performing arts community in Middleburg and surrounding Piedmont," explained Danielson. "We hope to develop the area into an arts community destination to increase the vitality and economic base of the area and all involved."

"Working with other organizations that share a common vision will create a unified strength needed to reach the common goal. Plans are for the operations to be headquartered in Middleburg and the outreach would include neighboring individuals and organizations for participation and collaboration," Danielson continued.

AiM is searching for additional short term/temporary space after the October exhibit closes to be used as a central location for exhibits and programs until a permanent site is found.

Space obtained, both short term/temporary and long term/permanent would be "home" for AiM operations (meetings, classes, workshops, exhibitions, social gatherings) and be open to all, including the school children. These spaces will offer programs and projects for students, artists and enthusiasts to learn, create, exhibit and share. Education is a key component.

An ideal short term/temporary facility will accommodate a diverse range of programming and activities such as: an interactive discussion "What is art?" moderated by a respected teacher/professor or artist in the area; an introductory drawing course; a weekly brown bag lunch program where attendees would meet a local artist who would present their work and discuss what they do; demonstration of brush stroke techniques; a session on using "Smart Phone" cameras and a themed exhibition of children's work created in this space.

A long term/permanent facility would incorporate exhibition and classroom space, and possibly art studios. The programming here may include offerings such as those mentioned above, but the schedule would be more extensive and in-depth, and would include: art courses and classes, workshops, juried exhibitions and social events. This would be a community arts and education center.

Long-term goals could include the development of a consortium of artists/galleries in the Piedmont area.

AiM invites others who would like to help make this kind of difference in our community to join the organization. If you have professional expertise that you are willing to volunteer in law, finance, fundraising or marketing, please contact: Sandy Danielson sandy@mcgheefoundation.org, 540-687-3743

Artists in Middleburg, P.O. Box 426Middleburg, VA 20118
www.artistsinmiddleburg.org