NEW GLOUCESTER – Samples of work by local artists will be on display this month at the New Gloucester Public Library honoring the town’s creative economy.

The Creative New Gloucester Committee will host an evening for local artists and musicians to connect with each other. The event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan, 16, at the library.

The public is invited to learn about the importance of the creative economy and connect with artists and others at a Jan. 17 open house.

Food and refreshments will be served.

From the Shakers to contemporary artists, musicians and designers, New Gloucester has a long heritage or artistic and creative people, organizations and enterprises.

Creative New Gloucester’s goal is to inventory artistic and cultural assets and create a Web-based directory that will connect and celebrate this part of the community.

The idea for Creative New Gloucester grew out of the town’s economic development planning process study that was completed in 2006. New Gloucester selectmen last winter provided funding and appointed a committee to launch the inventory and public education project.

Surveys are available to New Gloucester residents who sustain economic gain from their creative pursuits. For more information, contact the New Gloucester Town Hall and the library during business hours for survey forms.