Statewide gathering blends real-world case studies, hands-on workshops, peer-to-peer learning, and creative experiences for arts-driven community revitalization
PRINCETON, W.Va.— From October 24–26, artists, organizers, entrepreneurs, educators, and grassroots changemakers from across West Virginia will gather in Princeton’s Grassroots District for the Create Your State Convening — a hands-on, three-day immersion in how the arts can spark transformation and build stronger, more connected communities.
Hosted by the RiffRaff Arts Collective, the convening transforms a once-quiet corridor into a living laboratory for creativity. Public art, peer exchange, live music, studio visits, and community storytelling sessions activate the streets and venues of downtown Princeton, offering participants not just ideas, but a tangible experience of what’s possible when culture leads.
“This isn’t just a conference; it’s a creative adventure,” said CYS Founder Lori McKinney. “Participants learn directly from West Virginians who are building momentum in their own towns right now, then walk the blocks of a neighborhood shaped by those very ideas in action. Everyone leaves with tools, relationships, and renewed energy to bring back home.”
Who’s in the Room
The weekend features a robust cross-section of artists, culture-bearers, civic innovators, and place-based practitioners from across the state, including:Jeff Pierson (Office of Public Art, City of Charleston)Kabrea James (Inner Sunshine Arts, Beckley)Jim Padjarillo (The HeART of WV, Williamson)Robby Parsons (Back Home Festival, New Martinsville)Patch Whisky (international street artist & Princeton native)Melissa McKinney (Stages Music School, LEAF Global Arts)Greg Puckett (Community Connections; Mercer County Commissioner)Amanda Workman (WV Community Development Hub)Hannah Mitchell (Love Hope Center for the Arts, Fayetteville)Cecil Ybanyez (Bloomfield Richwood)José Rizo (Gallery Curator and Arts Patron, Raleigh County)Saja Montague (Co-Creator of BEX, Beckley)
Lauren Kemp & Denise Poole (RenewALL – Central City, Huntington)Jason Young (Cultural Foundation of Harrison County)Vicki Queen (Gary Bowling’s House of Art, Bluefield)Beach Vickers (Shakespeare Studio of Montgomery)Dan Henthorn (Griffin Players, New Martinsville)Robby Moore (Creative Network, formerly Tamarack Foundation for the Arts)Lori McKinney (Cofounder of Create Your State and RiffRaff Arts Collective) …and a host of local artists bringing the Grassroots District to life.
What to expect
The convening kicks off Friday evening with a Creative Mixer, powerful stories of transformation, and a guided evening of music, art, and venue exploration across Princeton’s cultural district. Saturday dives deep into workshops, artist-led tours, collective problem-solving sessions, and panel conversations on everything from public art and fundraising to creative entrepreneurship and collaborative events.
A special Open Stage Night at The Dream Bean invites participants to share their voice and vision in a welcoming space that celebrates process and expression.
On Sunday, the gathering closes with tool-based sessions on fundraising, a practitioner showcase, and an exploration of theater as a tool for community-building.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can visit working artist studios, create their own tie-dye t-shirt, and join a live taping of the Born & Bred podcast, highlighting Appalachian stories and music.
The full schedule is available at createyourstate.org/2025-convening.
Access & Registration
- Sliding Scale: $50–$250 — pay what you can
- Free Tickets Available: No questions asked
- Lodging Options: Block hotel rates, partner discounts, and unique stays posted online
Register now: createyourstate.org/2025-convening
“Public art on every corner, music in the streets, neighbors building together…none of this is hypothetical here,” McKinney added. “We open the doors, walk the blocks, and invite people to imagine what their own version of this could be. We set the stage, and shine the spotlight on fantastic work happening all over our great state. This gathering is fuel and inspiration for the road ahead.”
