What happens when you team artists with local arts, culture and social organizations and task them with creating an innovative street gallery in vacant storefronts? On June 25, Staunton visitors and residents will find out, as a month-long exhibit opens in the empty windows along Beverley Street.  For a downtown braving a major construction project, the hope is the facelift project will stimulate imaginative interactions, spark interest in local programs and businesses, and promote the downtown Staunton experience to visitors, residents, and potential merchants.

Sponsored by the Staunton Downtown Development Association and honoring such groups as ShenanArts, Beverley Street Studio School, Staunton Music Guild, Stuart Hall, Staunton Green 20/20, Transition Staunton, Boys and Girls Club, Ampersand Arts, American Shakespeare Center, the Public Library and the Staunton Performing Arts Center, the project will highlight the women who have contributed to the mission of these organizations.  The promotion is part of the Virginia Commission for the Arts “Minds Wide Open:  Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts.”

Artists and organization representatives will be on hand Opening Night from 6 – 9 p.m. to discuss their work, and galleries and arts spaces will be conducting the regularly scheduled 4^th Fridays Gallery Walk from 5 – 8 p.m.  A variety of street performers and artists will also be performing around downtown.