The Exchange, a 501(c)3 arts organization in Bloomsburg, has embarked on an ambitious project to promote and foster the multitude of arts venues and events in Columbia and Montour Counties through a newly launched Web site, ArtOfPa.org. The site features a robust calendar organized by the many kinds of opportunities available to residents and visitors of all ages:
– theater and music performances;
– visual arts exhibitions;
– cultural happenings including lectures and festivals;
– family-friendly events.

Additionally, the site includes information about area venues – from galleries and theaters to restaurants that host bands – and a blog which provides behind-the-scenes looks at upcoming events, exclusive artist interviews, and other exciting regional arts news.

The new site offers quick and easy access to essential event information including links to purchase tickets, general contact info, pictures, video, and social media. The site is also optimized for mobile devices, so no matter where you go local arts info is right at your fingertips.

“These are exciting times for the area arts scene with the launch of ArtOfPa.org,” says Oren Helbok, executive director of The Exchange. “Our partners in this effort include the Berwick Theater, Bloomsburg University and the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, the Danville Arts Council, and many others – all of the organizations which appear on the site. By pooling knowledge and sharing all of our information in one place, we will make the region’s arts scene stronger. This is just the start of the site, too; we will soon add an audio podcast and a comprehensive artist directory.”

The Exchange engaged John Yogodzinski, a Williamsport business owner and art lover, to build and maintain the site. “Having been a resident of Central PA for several years I’ve always told visitors this region has a lot of great art events going on, but finding out about them is sometimes like finding a needle in a haystack,” John says. “Let me dig through the hay and make a user-friendly site that becomes the go-to resource for everyone looking for the best things to do.”

Oren and John encourage all arts-related organization that would like to get involved, or anyone interested in promoting the site, to contact John at [email protected]

The Exchange, located at 24 East Main Street in Bloomsburg, runs the year-’round Exchange Gallery, providing a venue for regional artists of all ages and levels of experience to display work in themed, open-call exhibitions and juried or invitational shows. Frequent receptions coincide with other art events in downtown Bloomsburg. The Exchange’s programs also include the Destination Blues Music Festival, “Backstage Pass to the Blues”, and the Art Cart, and it collaborates with numerous other non-profits on ArtFest, BOO!burg, and other community events. For more information about everything The Exchange does, visit ExchangeArts.org or Facebook.com/ExchangeArtsDotOrg or call 570-317-2596. We look forward to seeing you!