Arts Place praised for efforts

Regional cooperation has developed a mixed reputation over the years.
For every success, there seem to be two or three failures.
Turf battles, competing agendas and provincialism too often prove to be the rule.
That’s why it’s so encouraging to see what Arts Place has been able to put together over the past dozen years or so.
With little fanfare but lots of hard work, the Jay County-based arts organization has been able to extend its mission from St. Marys, Ohio, to Blackford County.
By providing administrative services and a track record of professionalism in arts administration, Arts Place has been able to partner with volunteers in other communities, helping them stretch their dollars and maximize their impact.
Friday saw the latest milestone reached in this regional arts effort.
In a storefront on the courthouse square in Hartford City, a couple hundred people gathered for the opening of a juried art exhibit in a new home for arts activity in Blackford County.
Artwork by painters, photographers, printmakers and others in Blackford and surrounding counties graced the walls. And musicians provided a background of music.
What was most evident was an undeniable sense of community pride on the part of the folks from Blackford County. They had accomplished something few communities are capable of, and they have their sights set on more good work ahead.
And accompanying that Blackford pride was a sense of neighborliness on the part of the folks from Arts Place.
Assisting, supporting, offering years of experience as a resource, Eric Rogers and his staff at Arts Place have carved out a role as regional leaders, proving that it doesn’t have to be about turf. It just has to be about helping one another achieve their own vision of success.
There was plenty to celebrate Friday, both in Hartford City and in a region that stretches from Blackford County to Jay County to Auglaize County, Ohio.  Now that’s a regional success story. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]