At the Charleston Area Alliance, we are going back to the garden to nurture our region’s economic and public health.

What may appear to be a large vegetable garden on Charleston’s West Side is in reality the epicenter of a multipronged economic development initiative to train prospective urban agriculture entrepreneurs, or “agripreneurs.” Through the Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurs (SAGE) program launched last spring by the Alliance, participants receive education and training in farming and business practices that are both economically and environmentally sustainable.

On Thursday, Earl Gohl, federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), met with members of the Alliance to discuss the burgeoning local foods movement in West Virginia. Gohl said the state is emerging as a leader on this front. Since 2005, the number of farmers’ markets in West Virginia has more than tripled, from 30 to 93, according to an Associated Press article published this week. (Feds say West Virginia’s local foods movement may become model for Appalachia)

Gohl said that public health officials support the local foods movement because it allows easier access to healthy foods, vital in a state with high rates of obesity, diabetes and cancer.

Sustaining and expanding local agriculture can play a big role in diversifying our local economy and improving the health of our citizens.

West Virginia’s food economy is worth $7 billion, but only $6 million stays in the state. Efforts like SAGE help keep that money here and encourage healthier lifestyles. If we can sustain and capitalize on this local foods effort, our state and its citizens will benefit for generations to come.

PS: Without the support of visionary businesses and individuals, programs like SAGE could not blossom. We invite you to plant the seeds for a brighter future with a contribution to the CADCO Foundation, our charitable arm. For more info or to make a donation, contact JoEllen Zacks HERE

Join Imagine Charleston on the capitol grounds for an open house next Tuesday, Sept. 18, anytime between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The group will be in the Culture Center’s Great Hall with an update on what they’ve been working on.  Imagine Charleston: “Your dream. Our future.” is designed to maximize citizen input about the future of Charleston in terms of buildings, potential projects, the nature of neighborhoods, transportation, attractions and more.

A 15 minute presentation will be made at 4:30 p.m. and again at 5:45 p.m.

They need your feedback. Are they on the right track? Have we heard you correctly? Let’s Imagine Charleston!

For burgeoning entrepreneurs, cash capital is the lifeblood of their business.

Now with Thrive, the Charleston Area Alliance’s new crowdfunding initiative, startups have a chance to receive an infusion of cash through fresh and innovative means. Earlier this month, a blind panel selected nine Kanawha Valley-based entrepreneurs with 30 or fewer employees out of a pool of applicants. These entrepreneurs each produced 60-second pitch videos to promote their business and need for crowd funds.

On Sept. 19, an event will be held at DigiSo at 1506 Kanawha Boulevard West starting at 5:30 p.m. To attend and participate in the event, community members will pay $20 a ticket. In return, they will get to partake in beverages and food, but more importantly, they get to vote for the entrepreneur  that they want to support. At the end of the night, the entrepreneur with the most votes will receive $20 times the number of attendees as cash capital to invest in their business.

The fund will also be seeded with $1,000, through generous support of Vision Shared and Industrial Bolting. Other partners in Thrive include the Arts Council of West Virginia, Create West Virginia, DigiSo, Generation Charleston and BB&T.

You cannot vote for a winner, unless you attend the event.

To sign up and attend the event, please click HERE. Tickets will also available at the door and cash is preferable.

In the meantime, please check out the videos of the nine entrepreneurs below and this cast your vote for a winner on Sept. 19 at DigiSo. Share the video that you think is the best with your friends, colleagues and social network!

Cruising in a C-130 airplane, experiencing a surge of 911 emergency calls during a record snowstorm and discovering hidden architectural treasures in downtown Charleston aren’t the typical assignments you’d find in a business curriculum.

But for participants in the Charleston Area Alliance’s Leadership Kanawha Valley program, these experiences are business as usual.

Leadership Kanawha Valley is now accepting registrations for its 2012-2013 class and space is limited.

Click here to register

The program aims to develop, educate and nurture future leaders in our region and engage them and today’s leaders in making the Kanawha Valley an excellent place to live and work.   “The program’s objective involves developing, informing and training potential leaders so they understand the issues and needs of the community,” said Susie Salisbury, the Alliance’s vice president of community development.

“It looks to create an environment that nurtures involvement in the community through volunteerism, service organizations and board appointments.”

Leadership Kanawha Valley, sponsored by Chesapeake Energy, creates the opportunity for potential leaders to meet, establish rapport and maintain ongoing professional relationships.

Applicants may be self-sponsored and self-nominated. In addition, community members may nominate individuals with leadership qualities for the program. Classes start in October and run through May.

The tuition rate is $495 for Charleston Area Alliance members and $595 for future members. The fee covers all expenses for the program. Leadership Kanawha Valley is limited to 35 people.

Those interested in joining the 2012-2013 class should contact Salisbury at (304) 340-4253 or SSalisbury@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org

A new guide, featuring the locations of more than 50 pieces of public art located throughout Charleston, has been released in time for FestivALL Charleston. The guide is part of a public art plan initiated through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town grant program.   “We are excited to provide this piece highlighting our outdoor public art collection and the artists for our citizens and visitors to enjoy,” said Susie Salisbury, vice president of community development for the Charleston Area Alliance and project director for the effort. “Art plays such an important role in our community and we are honored to celebrate it through this publication.”

The guide is a collaborative project of Charleston Area Alliance, City of Charleston, Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, Charleston Urban Renewal Authority, Arts Council of Kanawha Valley and FestivALL Charleston.

“Public art contributes to the city’s character and artists find our city an inviting place that promotes creativity,” said Charleston Mayor Danny Jones. “We are blessed to have many people who have a passion for public art and who have contributed their talents, resources and resourcefulness to improving Charleston’s artist landscape.”

Currently, a website is being developed that will have the guide available electronically and will serve as a source for future updates to the piece.

“There will be several new pieces of public art as a result of the 2012 FestivALL Charleston, such as the trash receptacles along Kanawha Boulevard and the expansion of the “Peer to Pier” mural project,” Salisbury said. “The website we are developing will host these additional pieces and provide more information on each of the pieces of public art.”

The public art guides are currently available at the following locations: Charleston Area Alliance, Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, Charleston City Hall, Kanawha County Library, Taylor Books, West Virginia Capitol Complex Culture Center, Charleston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the FestivALL Charleston merchandise booths.

For more information on the guide please contact Susie Salisbury at 304-340-4253 or through email at SSalisbury@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org.

Downtown ArtWalk
Thursday, May 17
5-8 p.m.

In 2012, the Downtown Charleston ArtWalk will be celebrating 10 years as the Capitol City’s premiere art event. This season promises to be even bigger, better and more exciting than before.

Check out what’s in store for Thursday’s ArtWalk.

Art Emporium
823 Quarrier Street

Bridging sculpture with photography, printmaking, painting, installation and performance, Steve Pauley’s art evolved organically from his work as a headstone carver and as a photography teacher.

His current exhibition “Rock Show,” explores engraving anamorphic images into polished granite, which are then projected onto a wall by bouncing light off the stone’s surface. Fusing the time-intensive labor of hand engraving stone and the mechanical reproduction of photography, Pauley’s current investigations include projecting that image onto light sensitive paper in a darkroom without the use of a camera or film. 

Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
900 Lee Street, Suite 1600

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation features 29 limited edition pieces of Deborah Herndon’s work ranging from photographs of French and Spanish architectural details and urban landscape (including “French Kiss Knocker,” finalist in the 67th Allied Artists Juried Competition) to one of Herndon’s more recent pieces, “Orchestra Hall, Violin Blue,” a metallic photography print/raised paint tracing on cardboard overlay.

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation will also feature five jewelry designs by Faye Johnson. Johnson became interested in jewelry creation in 2007 as a result of a design class at Beadlush in Charlotte, NC. Since then, Johnson has studied under critically acclaimed designer Dan Haga, as well as jewelry maker Kim St. Jean.  She has also participated in multiple art shows in the NoDa arts district of Charlotte, NC. Johnson’s jewelry reflects her interest in metal and stringing; her work uses mixed media including clay, gemstones, and various metals.

Gallery Eleven
1033 Quarrier Street

Jo Ann Crawford is featured artist of the month at Gallery Eleven for the May ArtWalk. Her exhibit is titled “Sunflowers Red and Blue. Jo Ann has a bachelor of arts degree from West Virginia University with a masters degree from Marshall University. Her work has been selected by several corporate collections and she has received awards in four surrounding states.

House of Luxe
817 Quarrier Street

The House of Luxe will have most jewelry on clearance 50-60 percent off for the May 17th ArtWalk. Jewelry designs will be featured from Swarovski Elements, Leighelena, Marcia Moran, Hyde, Streets Ahead, Mashka and Gillian Julius.

Romano and Associates
230 Capitol Street, Suite 200

Katheryne Hawkins, a recent graduate of West Virginia State University, will feature “Frail Yet Firm.” It’s a collection of works exploring the juxtaposition of symbolic imagery and their relationship to medium and process. These metaphors are reference to the life, death, and rebirth of select flora and fauna that occur here in Appalachia.

The imagery lends itself to comparison with the process of printmaking, the fragility of the hive relates to the frailty of the papers used and the rigidity of the antlers represents the firm process of printing methods.

Delfine’s Jewelry
245 Capitol Street

Delfine’s Jewelers we will be showcasing Zultanite Gemstones for the May 17h ArtWalk. Naturally precious, Zultanite is a new color changing gemstone that is beautiful,rare, always natural and ethically mined. Zultanite’s beguiling color palette, combined with an exotic pedigree, has made it afavorite among jewelry connoisseurs around the globe.

The Charleston Ballet
100 Capitol Street

The Allied Artists of West Virginia will be partnering with the Charleston Ballet for a live studio drawing session during the May 17 ArtWalk. Images of art pieces created during the live drawing class will be posted online for voting of favorites on both the Charleston Ballet and Allied Artists Facebook pages.

Three notable judges’ votes combined with the public’s choices will determine the winning piece. A $250 prize of a Charleston Town Center Gift Card will be offered to the winner of combined judges and public voting. This winner will be announced in June during FestiVALL. Art works will need to be submitted no later than Monday, May 21, 2012 to be included in the contest.

Submitted pieces will also be on display at a public location for viewing. Viewing and voting will take place through the months of May and June. This event is also open to other WV amateur artists. Please bring your easels if you would like to use one and what you need to work with. Only tables and chairs and dancers will be provided.

Additional art selections from Allied Artists members will also be on display and for sale on Thursday May 17. The upcoming ARTWALK will take place on May 17, 2012 from 5-8 at the Charleston Ballet studios located on the mezzanine floor at 100 Capitol Street.

Mission Savvy
202 Hale Street

Mission Savvy will be selling its new collection of hand painted wooden photo blocks and “Grow Kits” – planting kits for a range of garden themes designed by local Unicorn Lane Farms.

Taylor Books
226 Capitol Street

The Annex Gallery will feature new paintings from Tiera Floyd. A native of Sutton, WV and a recent graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan University, Tiera’s new body of work, titled “Legacy of the Lines” focuses on the cracks, wrinkles, whiskers, scuffs and scraps of five senior citizens in her hometown. Tiera spent time with each of her subjects and chose to focus on specific features and gestures to capture the history and soul of each individual. The result, while excluding much of the information included in a traditional portrait, gives the viewer a much more intimate and compelling experience. Also featured will be paintings from Lewisburg based artist Mary Hurst. Her work will be on display until May 30th.

Imagine Charleston: “Your dream. Our future,” the City of Charleston’s new imaginative and creative visioning and planning process, has launched Facebook and Twitter pages. Learn more about the project, which was designed to maximize citizen input about the future of Charleston in terms of buildings, potential projects, the nature of neighborhoods, transportation, attractions and more.

Check out the Facebook page HERE.

Check out the Twitter page HERE.

Also, check out the Imagine Charleston website HERE.

We Love Our Community Awards
Thursday, March 22
4:30-6 p.m.
Daniel Boone Room
405 Capitol Street

The Charleston Area Alliance will host its fifth annual We Love Our Community Awards program this Thursday, March 22. The event will recognize 12 recipients representing the best in the Kanawha Valley.

“This is another fantastic program and each year, the Alliance is excited to host an event that shines a spotlight on the best of Charleston,” said Susie Salisbury, the Alliance’s vice president of community development. “This is about the grace of our people, places and culture, and recognizing these recipients fits well with our mission –building a vibrant community and prosperous economy.”

The program includes awards for several categories, including Outstanding Preservation, Best Development, Best Re-Development, Community Celebration, Youth Volunteer and Servant Leader and the Kanawha Heritage award, among others.

Each winner will receive an award created by White Oak Photography and presented by outstanding local musical talents using personalized lyrics like this one:

She’s always giving and thinking of others
Supporting causes that she holds dear
No one works harder, no one works longer
Than Charleston’s super volunteer

Find out what local community leader these lyrics are about at the We Love Our Community Awards.

Presented by title sponsor City National Bank, the event will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Daniel Boone Room at 405 Capitol Street.

The event is FREE to attend. For more information, contact Susie Salisbury at SSalisbury@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org.

We Love Our Community Awards
Thursday, March 22 4:30-6 p.m.
Daniel Boone Room
405 Capitol Street

The Charleston Area Alliance will host its fifth annual We Love Our Community awards program on March 22. The event will recognize 12 recipients representing the best in the Kanawha Valley.

“This is another fantastic program and each year, the Alliance is excited to host an event that shines a spotlight on the best of Charleston,” said Susie Salisbury, the Alliance’s vice president of community development. “This is about the grace of our people, places and culture, and recognizing these recipients fits well with our mission –building a vibrant community and prosperous economy.”

The program includes awards for several categories, including Outstanding Preservation, Best Development, Best Re-Development, Community Celebration, Youth Volunteer and Servant Leader and the Kanawha Heritage award, among others.

Presented by title sponsor City National Bank, the event will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Daniel Boone Room at 405 Capitol Street.

The event is FREE to attend. For more information, contact Susie Salisbury at SSalisbury@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org.

On Monday, the Charleston City Council honored the Downtown ArtWalk by passing a resolution. ArtWalk will celebrate its 10th Anniversary when it kicks off it’s 2012 season on March 15. See below for the resolution.