“We are always amazed at what there is to do and experience in Richland County in the Arts & Culture. We wanted to display that in a clear and simple way for the community. So that they can see what is there to do,”said Chelsie Thompson, Director of Operations at the Renaissance Theatre in Mansfield.
October is designated as National Arts month and Artober begins for the second year in Mansfield. What began as a brainchild at an RCDG Art & Culture Sector meeting that included, Bridget McDaniels, Chelsie Thompson, Llalan Fowler of Main Street Books, Kathy Goodwin of Element of Art Studio and others has quickly become a steadfast staple in bringing the art community together and more accessible to patrons of downtown.
Thompson added,”It just made sense to do it in October. We live in a rural community that is so rich in art and culture. How amazing is that.”
As defined by Element of Art Studios Art Coordinator Kathy Goodwin the mission of the Artober calendar is,”It’s a tool you can use to respond to people when they say there is just nothing to do in Richland County. The Artober Calendar is proof that the arts are alive and growing everyday and becoming more vibrant.”
Goodwin said the inspiration for the calendar was and has been active in the art sector in one form or another for some time. The efforts of local businesses and artists is what made the calendar a possible. The goal is to put the focus and attention where it is needed and to make the art sector more available.
“This calendar just touches on what is available, there is so much going on and we just want to help people find it and experience it,”said Goodwin.
The calendar can be picked up at area businesses and the Convention & Visitors Bureau in Mansfield. A new change to this years calendar other than additional activities is that the calendar is color coded to make it easier to read and navigate. Also, an additional feature is the online link available to download the ability to download a copy of the calendar off of Google Calendar. Some of the featured events include; Fresh Out of Karma, October 12 and Disney’s “Aladdin” at the Mansfield Playhouse October 27.
From plays to concerts, festivals and more Goodwin noted that there is definitely something for everyone in every age group to enjoy.
Visit any local business in the downtown area or the Convention of Visitors Bureau to pick a copy of the calendar.