Photo Credit: Handmade Arcade

ACRE connects rural creative entrepreneurs with the audiences, networks, and opportunities they need to grow and thrive.

 

EXPANDING REACH

Creative entrepreneurs in rural and small-town Appalachia often face dispersed populations and fewer built-in customer networks. To reinforce the core ACRE programming, the initiative offers opportunities that increase visibility, deepen engagement, and connect ACRE Participants with new audiences.

From local markets and regional exhibitions to digital features and community events, ACRE provides varied pathways for ACRE Participants to grow their customer base, test new ideas, and strengthen their creative practices.

Explore the depth and variety of our upcoming and past community events.

"ACRE helps creative entrepreneurs to work together to access new patrons. These market and exhibition experiences are critical to us being successful in the communities where we live and work and beyond."

Sarah Hunter Artist | Ecosystem Coordinator for ACRE Greensburg
Upcoming Events

ACRE Symposium 2026

Touchstone Center for Crafts • September 18, 2026

The 2026 ACRE Symposium expands the conversation beyond the creative sector to explore how the arts, outdoor recreation, and heritage-based enterprise work together to strengthen rural communities. Through a keynote address, facilitated panel, case study presentation, and concurrent workshops, participants will leave with new ideas, practical strategies, and the connections to put them to work. Featuring voices from across the Appalachian region and beyond.

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PAST EVENTS

ACRE Oil City Celebration Event

Oil Region Alliance’s Venango Campus
1801 W 1st St, Oil City, PA 16301
September 9, 2025

Friends, family, and community members joined us at the Oil Region Alliance’s Venango Campus to celebrate ACRE Oil City’s first ACRE Cohort. Participants showcased their progress, shared their business plans, and reflected on the skills and confidence they built throughout the program.

ACRE State College Celebration Event

The Rivet at Discovery Space
1224 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803
August 24, 2025

We gathered at The Rivet at Discovery Space to honor the first ACRE State College Cohort. Participants highlighted their growth as creative entrepreneurs and shared the strategic next steps they’re pursuing to build sustainable, long-term businesses.

2024 Handmade Arcade Holiday Market

David L. Lawrence Convention Center
1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
December 7, 2023

In 2024, Bridgeway sponsored 29 creative businesses from the ACRE, ORIGINS, and ErieMade programs to participate in the region’s largest holiday market. For many, it was their first major regional audience. Collectively, the group earned more than $53,000 in sales and significantly expanded their visibility and customer base.

ACRE Morgantown Graduation Event

The Co-op
131 Pleasant Street, Morgantown, WV 26505
November 13, 2024

Friends, family, and community members gathered to celebrate the first ACRE Morgantown Cohort. Participants shared the milestones they reached, the tools they gained, and their plans for continuing to grow their creative enterprises. The event was free and open to the public.

ACRE Greensburg Graduation Event

Greensburg Garden and Civic Center
951 Old Salem Rd, Greensburg, PA 15601
August 29, 2024

Friends, family, and community members joined together to recognize the first ACRE Greensburg Cohort. Participants presented their business development work and the strategies they’ve set in motion for continued success. The event was open to all.

ACRE Invitational Exhibition

Harlan Gallery, Seton Hill Arts Center
201 West Otterman Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
June 17, 2024 to July 28, 2024

Visual artists from across ACRE Places were reviewed by a panel of regional creative-economy leaders. Exhibiting artists included: 23rd and Flock, Allegory Gallery, Brian Ferrell Designs, Deerjerk, Erika Blair, Icelandic Ponies, Jamie Lester, Jen Allen Ceramics, Kim Williams Fine Art, Nate Weiss, Painters Nest, Shalya Marsh, and Studio One Creations.

ACRE Johnstown Graduation Event

Peoples Natural Gas (PNG) Park
90 Johns Street, Johnstown, PA 15901
July 16, 2024

Friends, family, and community members gathered at PNG Park to celebrate ACRE Johnstown’s second Cohort. Entrepreneurs highlighted the skills they gained and the next steps they’re taking to strengthen their businesses. The event was free and open to the public.

2024 ACRE New Ken Graduation Event

Digital Foundry
855 5th Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068
June 26, 2024

Family, friends, and local supporters came together to honor the first ACRE New Kensington Cohort. Participants reflected on their progress and shared their future business goals. The event was open to all.

2024 ACRE Symposium

Touchstone Center for Crafts
1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 15437
May 15, 2024

Designed for regional economic development professionals, the ACRE Symposium offered a platform for sharing emerging lessons and best practices. Attendees heard from leading voices in creative-economy development across Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia.

2024 ACRE Market Takeover

The Strip District Terminal
2101 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
May 4, 2024

ACRE makers from multiple ACRE Places took over the historic Strip District Terminal for a high-visibility regional market. Participating creatives included 23rd and Flock, Acute Peach Art, Bixby Studios, Brushed by Becky, East Wheeling Clayworks, Heather Heitzenrater Art, Hill and Holler Herbal Company, James Joseph Designs and Photography, J, Mad Artist Paradise, ReClaimed Threads, Shalya Marsh Studios, Simple Stitch By Rayna, Stephanie Oplinger Arts, Uncle Dave’s Art Studio, Waterhouse Pottery, Wicks & Wax Studio, and Wild Indigo Wares.

2024 ACRE Wheeling Graduation Event

Wheeling Heritage
1400 Main St., Wheeling, WV 26003
April 18, 2024

Wheeling friends, family, and community members celebrated its first ACRE Cohort with an event recognizing each participant’s dedication and achievements. Attendees heard from entrepreneurs about their evolving business plans and long-term goals. The event was free and open to the public.