Will Obama visit ART MART in Allentown?

President Obama is scheduled to visit Allentown this coming Friday Dec. 4th as the first stop on his "White House to Main St." tour. Allentown was chosen because of its potential for future economic growth and job creation. Obama will also stop at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville. Enrollment is up at community colleges across the country, because they offer a more affordable choice during tough economic times. Obama plans on increasing the level of federal support for community colleges, because education translates into jobs.

Speaking of community and economic development ... the Obamas were community organizers, so they understand the importance of volunteer work. I believe the perfect stop on Obama's tour of Allentown would be ART MART at 813 Hamilton St. in Allentown. Art Mart is a new holiday gift shop and fine art gallery created by a large and growing community of local artists and volunteers. The volunteers have come together to promote the arts and help revitalize downtown Allentown. The industrious artists have been given permission by a gracious property owner to take over his vacant store on Hamilton St, and turn it into a holiday art emporium. Very cool cooperation all around. Local artists are hoping this location will eventually become a permanent art gallery, because all these dedicated professional artists really should have a home of our own.

The arts play a central role in revitalizing cities, and in creating much needed social capital, which leads to economic capital. Read about Art Mart and other arts news at The Allentown Chen Arts Group Blog

WFMZ Channel 69 News covered the very successful opening of ART MART this past Friday night. Check it out: 69 News Coverage of ART MART

There are great things happening in downtown Allentown, and now there is a growing art scene led by a community of talented artists and arts supporters. And that's what's going to turn the downtown around ... progressive-minded people working together to make positive things happen.

Support our local artists by buying their art at ART MART!

Visit ART MART at facebook.com/AllentownArtMart
Photo: Very Cool ART MART sign designed and made by local artist Vicki DaSilva and her husband Antonio

Photo from WFMZ News website