Ivy Tech Student Interns Support Local Non-Profits

By Kellie Davis and Doug Auman

Ivy Tech Community College has provided five interns with an opportunity to do a lot more than just "man the store."  Business students from the College hope to give back to their community by creating a business and marketing plan to enhance the reputation and profitability of the Hometown Gallery, a program of the Starr-Gennett Foundation.

The interns, Doug Auman, John Wilcox, Eli Baxter, Stacy Jennings, and Kellie Davis, hope to increase the Gallery's visibility and customer base in the community.  The interns are enacting several marketing projects, and hope to coordinate several special events to increase the profile of the Gallery and its many non-profit partners.  Possible upcoming events include art and photography classes, tasting experiences, and exhibits featuring the works of local writers and artists.

Located in the Historic Depot District, the Gallery currently features gift items that highlight the vibrant historical legacy of Richmond and Wayne County.  Items range from reissued Gennett Records CD's to informative books and pamphlets. Current organizations that benefit from Gallery sales include Cope Environmental Center, Wayne County Historical Museum, Preserve Richmond, Main Street Richmond-Wayne County, Overbeck Museum, and Indiana National Road Association. Local artists can also take advantage of the Gallery’s nostalgic charm by displaying their works on a consignment basis.

The Starr-Gennett Foundation's mission is to save and promote the legacy of Gennett Records and foster a worldwide appreciation for a remarkable piece of American popular music history.  Big name artists from several musical genres (including Louis Armstrong, Lawrence Welk, and Gene Autry) recorded in the primitive Gennett studios, located in Richmond and in New York City.

The Hometown Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11-8 pm.  Those interested in displaying their artwork may call the Gallery during business hours at 765-962-2860. Visitors and artists are  invited to visit the Gallery at 181 Fort Wayne Avenue, next to Little Sheba's/Zini's Place.