R2RVAA Meeting - Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Palace Pizzeria in Cobden

Karen Hennrich, of Thomas Publishing, will discuss the proposed Arts Page in the 2013 Southern Illinois Tourism Guide at the next River to River Visual Arts Association meeting, which will be Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Palace Pizzeria in Cobden.  If you'd like to eat ome of the best pizza around first, that's great - the tables have been reserved for 6:15.    

The proposed page will include information about the art centers, galleries, studios and artists in southern Illinois. Tourists visiting the area aren't always aware of the many artists who work and reside in the region, and by placing an ad in the guide, we hope to focus their attention on the opportunities for them to view and purchase local art and crafts.

The Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau director, Cindy Cain, and her staff distribute the guides at tourism conventions they attend in large metropolitan areas, and copies of the guide are available at Illinois rest stops and many other places where tourists congregate. In 2013, 60,000 copies of the guide will be printed and distributed.

The cost of a one-page ad is $1,200 and a two-page ad is $1,800.  The cost would be split among the art centers, galleries and studios that choose to advertise.  We'd like to feature a map to show where the art centers, galleries and studios are located - similar to the one in the 2012 guide listing the vineyards.  We are also considering publishing a brochure based on the same information contained in the ad for distribution at tourism offices, local restaurants, cabins, bed and breakfasts and civic centers.

Anyone interested in this advertising is welcome to attend the meeting to get more information.  If you are not able to attend the meeting, but are interested,  please contact either Karen Hennrich at Thomas Publishing, (618) 549-2799, or me at sharonwittke@yahoo.com. by September 10.   Indicating interest does not commit you to advertising - we would like to see how much interest there is in this type of art promotion.