RUMFORD – Local artists’ works may be popping up in many locations around the area soon thanks to work under way by the River Valley Arts Initiative.

Arts Initiative Coordinator Becky Welsh told members Monday afternoon that ideas for creating art displays have ranged from exhibits at the information center in Rumford and a convenience store in Roxbury, to area banks and credit unions.

Eventually, it is hoped that the River Valley will have a site devoted to artistic endeavors, but for now, displaying works in area businesses is a step in the right direction.

Welsh said the River Valley Growth Council has received calls from owners of properties interested in selling potential sites. An art gallery may very well become a part of Congress Street within the next few months, as well.

Betsy Bell, an employee of Scappers Domain, which will open on Canal Street on Oct. 1, said the owner of the business plans to devote the former Au Jewelers to some type of art gallery. Details on the project will be made known once the new Scrappers Domain is up and running.

“We have no money now (for our own site), but we need goals, too, once we decide what we want to do – an arts council, an arts center?” she said.

Welsh is heading up a survey of the area’s artists. So far, 200 have been identified, and about half have submitted surveys or have been contacted. Once the survey is done, a booklet listing the art, craft and artist will be developed. Welsh also hopes that a Web site will be created to display an artist directory.

“Then, people from everywhere can see what we have,” she said.

Also at Monday’s meeting, Welsh announced that about a dozen area artists will display their fine and craft art works at the River Valley Expo scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27 at Mountain Valley High School.

River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition Coordinator Patricia Duguay said an after-school art program aimed at middle schoolers is currently in the works. A startup date of early October is being planned.

The arts initiative is under the organizational umbrella of the River Valley Healthy Community Coalition.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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