Cafe Huntington

Project Description:
The Huntington Pulse is local start up source for alternative news in the community, that has produced two successful issues so far – and is working hard to become as stable and useful to the community as possible. We donate a large percentage of our profits to homeless services. To date we have raised $120 which we are currently working with the Harmony House, part of the Cabell Huntington Coalition for the Homeless to find the best use for. This is a small, but promising start.

Project Importance:
Readers have given us various responses for why they think the paper is something Huntington needs, but we have yet to receive any negative feedback. We work to provide a voice for as many people as possible, and provide exposure for as many organizations and events to promote an active community, and be a stepping stone for readers to find more things that interest them, and more ways to help better their own community.

How Money Will Be Used:
The money we receive will go directly to printing costs. Currently, while still waiting for the two of our largest grants to clear, are indebted to the Herald Dispatch for our issue 2 printing. This will let us end the year squared up with them and allow us to continue on with production of issue 3. We are currently increasing the size and quality of the paper, and dropping down to monthly production – so that we will still be able to present a large amount of important community information, but will need less money and thus be more practical and reliable.

3 Month Goal:
The money will make possible the printing of our next issue – which would release at the beginning of January next year. While it would allow us to print within the next couple of weeks – we would be releasing at the same time that a large chunk of our current audience leaves for the holidays – and thus would fall on deaf ears of sorts, and we feel waste the valuable opportunity the grant money provides. So in actuality, this grant would make us solvent for the next 2 months, while we continue to sell advertisements to support ourselves and bring in the same quality news content.

Project Description:
My project is a self-made CD of original songs, and a new web page to promote my music.

Project Importance:
It takes a supportive community to allow an artist to create freely without boundaries.  It would be presumptuous of me to say that my songs will better the community or change someone’s life. But in essence, all music and poetry has that potential, for it speaks to people’s hearts and souls.

This CD, titled Ghosts and Rivers, is my personal catharsis of loss in exchange for hope.  If a few people find a meaningful connection to a few of the songs, then art will have served its purpose.  A community who embraces its artists is a better community.

How Money Will Be Used:
With the CAFE funds, I will most likely be able to complete the whole CD package.
This includes materials for:
*the CD pressing
*the biodegradable CD jacket,
*the jacket design, printing and insert
*the web page start-up and promotion

3 Month Goal:
The CAFE grant will be an emotionally affirming and financial boost.  I will use the funds to research and secure the most economical materials and promotional aids available for my CD.  With the completion date goal of 3 months, I will delve into intense recording sessions, website and CD cover design.

Project Description:
Soon to be located in downtown Huntington, Tres Arts will be a community-spirited art gallery that provides Tri-State artists and craftspeople with a quality retail showroom and classroom space. Class offerings will create an additional level of engagement between artist-teachers and the greater community. Tres Arts will also host a lively mix of art openings, special events, and art-related community groups and will be an active participant in local community events. Tres Arts will offer a dynamic mix of traditional and contemporary fine art, jewelry, crafts, and artisanal products at a variety of price points. This mix will entice everyone from the first-time gallery goer to the seasoned art collector. These goods will be made by artists and craftspeople who live in the local region and throughout West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. We believe that arts and crafts are equally valuable, and that all mediums, techniques, and styles are equally vital to the human experience. An
d that everyone, regardless of income or socio-economic status should be able to experience fine art and craft firsthand.

Project Importance:
This project will fill a large hole in the Huntington cultural community. We have a wonderful museum, two galleries that are part of Marshall University, and a small artists’ co-operative. But we do not have a full-fledged retail gallery. This space will also offer art classes, sponsor arts-related community groups, and have monthly events.

How Money Will Be Used:
I will be using the money to bankroll some pre-startup costs. These expenses include printing temporary business cards and other marketing collateral, incorporation fees, domain registration, website setup, and mailing list creation. I plan to incorporate in January 2011 and hope to open in late spring or early summer depending on space availability.

3 Month Goal:
I am planning on using my tax refund to finance the startup costs. Receiving this money now will allow me to get the ball rolling on the above mentioned items. I am currently hoping to open at Heritage Station and am already in talks with them regarding retail space.