VCEDA Seed Capital Grant Approved for Big Blue Art (copy)
Bronwyn Owen opened Big Blue Art in Bluefield, VA, seeking to make the arts accessible for everyone. Big Blue Art is a recent recipient of a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.
BLUEFIELD, VA – Making art accessible to everyone is what Bronwyn Owen said she hopes her working art studio, Big Blue Art, in Bluefield, Virginia, is continuing to accomplish, providing opportunities for all ages to experience the arts.
Big Blue Art is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“Big Blue Art is providing opportunities for local residents, as well as visitors to the area, with fun activities to explore in the area which is in part what creative tourism is all about,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects one full-time employee and two part-time employees within five years.”
“We offer classes and creative workshops, as well as paint parties and open studio events for all abilities once a month, September through May,” Owen said, noting the open studio events are a free art activity for all ages and abilities. “We offer a safe, welcoming creative space that strengthens community connections and expands access to the arts in Appalachia.”
The studio is located at 427 Virginia Avenue in Bluefield, VA. In addition to scheduled classes, Owen noted, persons who would like to schedule private paint sessions or do a paint night activity for four or more, may contact her by calling the studio or messaging Big Blue Art on Facebook.
Owen has 13 years of experience teaching K-5 art in the Tazewell County Public School system. She has a strong fine arts background, including an additional eight years of private instruction.
“The studio attracts students from multiple communities, including Bluefield, VA; Tazewell, VA; Bland, VA; and those in neighboring Bluefield, WV; and Princeton, WV, most of whom are elementary and middle school children,” Owen said, adding an adult group of artists is also active.
“Big Blue Art fills a unique cultural gap in the region,” Owen said. “Beyond retail and dining, it offers residents a place to create, explore and reconnect with their artistic side. Free open studio events consistently draw new visitors who return for classes and often bring friends, contributing to increased foot traffic downtown and supporting neighboring businesses. The studio has become a vital source of art enrichment and a catalyst for community engagement.”
During the summer months, Big Blue Art has hosted several summer art camp events and paint days.
“We’ve also had visiting artists teach classes and share their talents,” Owen said.
Planning is underway to develop a large art mural on the side of the building, engaging additional artists in the planning and the actual painting as that project begins in the future.
Owen used the VCEDA funds to support repairs and upgrades to the Big Blue Art studio space, including repairs to flooring, the installation of a larger sink and signage.
“The VCEDA funds are a tremendous help,” Owen said. “They are helping to make this a community space and making art accessible for everybody.”
Owen worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing her application to VCEDA. She received a letter of support from the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
"It has been a pleasure working with Bronwyn as she turns her lifelong passion for art into a thriving small business in the Town of Bluefield, Tazewell County,” said SWCC SBDC Executive Director Denise Harmon. “Bronwyn brings many years of experience as an art educator and has a genuine passion for inspiring creativity in children and learners of all ages. Her dedication to the arts and to teaching will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region.
“We are excited to see Big Blue Art, LLC begin this new chapter and are grateful to have been part of Bronwyn's entrepreneurial journey,” Harmon said. “The SBDC wishes her continued success and we look forward to watching her business grow and make a lasting impact in Southwest Virginia.”
“Big Blue Art will offer a unique personalized experience in high-quality art classes, workshops and paint parties,” said Tazewell County IDA Executive Director Tim Danielson. “They are the only working art studio in town, offering a safe, welcoming creative space that strengthens community connections and expands access to the arts in Appalachia. We are pleased that Ms. Bronwyn Owen has selected Tazewell County for her business venture. Tazewell County appreciates the support of VCEDA for entrepreneurial businesses.”
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