The Berkeley Arts Council announced today the posting of the new Berkeley County Artist Directory on its web site at http://www.berkeleyartswv.org/directory/ . The Directory is a listing of visual artists, artisans, performing artists, writers and other members of the creative community.

The directory is a resource for businesses and organizations wishing to exhibit and display local art, to commission artwork for a specific purpose, or to identify artists and artisans who can provide instruction in their medium.

Berkeley County artists are encouraged to create their own free listings in the Directory by submitting their information on the Berkeley Arts Council website at www.berkeleyartswv.org/directory/register.php. Forms will also be available at Berkeley Arts Council events, including exhibits and workshops. Enrollment is open to those living or creating their art in Berkeley County. Forms will also be available at Berkeley Arts Council events, including exhibits and workshops.

Arts Council Board Member and Webmaster Rip Smith explained “We know that there is a wealth of creative talent here in Berkeley County but until now nobody has attempted to develop a comprehensive listing of that talent. We hope that this Directory will open new opportunities for our artists in Berkeley County as well as serve as a resource for the larger community.”

Arts Council President Malinda Shaver adds “Compiling the directory will help us to represent the interest of the artists while we work to develop additional resources for the arts in our county.”

The current listing includes artists who registered since the Directory was announced in July. The Directory will be updated periodically as new listings are submitted.

The Berkeley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization incorporated in West Virginia working to ensure that Berkeley County has a vibrant, vital arts environment. Our mission is to promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of the literary, visual and performing arts in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, in order to enhance the quality of life in our area. More information about the Berkeley Arts Council is on the web at http://www.berkeleyartwv.org.