News Vinton's Guild of Fine Arts talks Creativity in Vinton

Members of the Vinton Guild of Fine Arts were the featured speakers at this week's Vinton Kiwanis Club meeting, where they shared the history, growth, and community impact of the local arts organization.

Introduced by Bob Fisher, the presentation highlighted many of the guild's artistic contributions throughout the community, including the mural at the Vinton swimming pool and the creatively painted "art cans" displayed in area parks.

Guild President Gloria Orcutt spoke about the organization's beginnings and how the group has continued to evolve since it was founded in 2014. The guild first operated out of a downtown storefront near the U.S. Bank building before moving to the former Lincoln School, where members created the painted corn statues now seen throughout the community. From there, the group relocated to Old School Produce, later the Sherman Building, and eventually met in members' homes. Today, the guild gathers in the breakroom at a local business courtesy of Vice President Kim Fischels.

In addition to the colorful corn statues, the guild has also been responsible for several murals on downtown buildings and a variety of community art projects designed to encourage creativity and local pride.

Orcutt explained that the group meets monthly and regularly explores different artistic techniques and mediums. Some of the activities members have tried include painting on vintage LP records, resin art, hydro-dipping, quilling, and alcohol ink projects.

Board member Kelsey McWilliams shared the guild's mission statement, emphasizing its goal of supporting and encouraging area artists to create, exhibit, teach, and share their talents while helping cultivate a greater appreciation for the visual arts throughout the community.

The organization hosts classes, workshops, guest speakers, and monthly activities for members and art enthusiasts of all ages. The guild also organizes field trips to galleries and art shows while producing and supporting public art projects, including downtown murals and corn statues. Members frequently partner with other local organizations on community projects, fundraisers, senior living activities, library programs, and local festivals such as Boomfest.

Fischels highlighted several of the guild's recent projects, including the 20 corn statues displayed throughout town, interactive murals designed for photo opportunities, and the painted garbage cans created in partnership with Vinton Parks and Recreation.

She also discussed the guild's involvement in events such as the Back Alley Art Festival, held the past two years, the library's Big Read Project, and the Pots and Pollinators project, which attracted participants from outside the community.

In 2024, the guild celebrated its 10th anniversary with a community scavenger hunt. Members are currently working on a mural project at Windsor Manor and are also pursuing plans to establish a permanent studio space at the corner of Fourth Street and Second Avenue.

Both Orcutt and Fischels emphasized that beyond the artwork itself, the guild is built around fellowship and community connections. Current members range in age from 9 to 84 years old.

The guild continues to focus on creating new opportunities for artists while raising awareness about the organization and its mission throughout the community.

Annual membership dues are $40 and include participation in 12 classes throughout the year.

The Vinton Guild of Fine Arts is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is currently seeking donations to help secure a more permanent location for its future projects and programs.

You can find their website HERE Dues are $40 a year for 12 classes throughout the year.