Art Experiences for Everyone | An art class for kids to explore art together!
Gretchen Cowie grew up in a small rural town with dreams of becoming an artist. She always
believed pursuing art meant leaving the countryside for a thriving city. However, upon trying this,
she found it unsatisfying. Gretchen missed the community, connections, and natural
surroundings that inspired her.
In 2014, Gretchen and her husband decided to return to the countryside. To her delight, she
discovered a vibrant arts culture in Wyoming County. Eager to immerse herself, Gretchen
attended numerous shows and events, reconnecting with old friends and making new
connections within the local arts community. They supported local artists through
encouragement, patronage, offering free venue spaces for performances or studios,
promotional efforts, and donating materials.
Navigating motherhood and caregiving for elderly parents, Gretchen’s involvement in the arts
community varied monthly. Now, she sees her current role as an opportunity to give back and
foster the arts community that embraced her. She hopes to inspire and support emerging artists,
encouraging them to be bold and believe in themselves and their rural arts community.