March 28th - April 4th, 2009 marked the first annual All Together Arts Week across Mercer County, West Virginia. A.T.A.W. is an observance and celebration of our thriving arts community, including visual, literary, healing and performing artists, arts presenters and arts patrons and enthusiasts. The mission of the event is to showcase the vast landscape of arts activity that our area holds and to unite the various artists and arts groups that exist across the county.

Click Here to View PHOTOS.

The idea for A.T.A.W. was born through workshops with the organization Create West Virginia (www.createwv.com).

On December 9th, 2008, The Mercer County Commission unanimously passed a resolution declaring March 28th-April 4th ATAW and also declared it to be an annual event. (Click on the page entitled "Resolution" to read the document.)

A kickoff event was held on March 28th to start the celebration. Arts organizations from all over Mercer County had tables promoting their programs, and many Mercer County artists had the opportunity to have their work showcased in a massive display. In addition, outstanding artists nominated by participating organizations were showcased with special displays and performances.
Throughout the week, events took place across the county at various venues. The week concluded with a grand finale parade and drum circle in downtown Princeton.

The same scope of events took place March 27-April 3rd, 2010, doubling in size and gaining momentum. The third annual All Together Arts Week will take place March 26-April 2, 2011. Make plans to participate! Take part in the Kickoff event, plan an event of your own during the week, march in the Grand Finale parade, and enjoy as many of the activities during the week as possible.

Participating organizations in 2010:

The RiffRaff Arts Collective
Gary Bowling's House of Art
Bluefield Area Arts and Science Center
Summit Players
Appalachian Highlands Music Association
Stages School of Music
LLyniuM entertainment
Ervin Publishing Company
Associated Photography
The Music Exchange
Frameworks Plus
The Little Opry
Inspire Gallery
The Bronze Look
Brainerd Gallery
Sacred Ground
Chuck Mathena Center
Blue Mountain Performing Arts
Concord University Fine Arts Department
Princeton Public Library
Craft Memorial Library
Windhorse Healing Arts Center, Inc.
Culturefest World Music and Arts Festival
The Bluestone Review
Mags Music
SWV Music Teacher's Forum
Walk Free Press
The Ink Slingers
Bluefield Fine Arts Commission
Bluefield College
Princeton Poetry Project / Holler
WV Writers' Association
Mercer County Schools