It does not mean you come here to present artists' work and neglect local charities; nor do art festivals and exclude working with the children, which are the lifeblood of the community.

We want to show the community how easily art can be a focal point to gather around in a social situation. You see people you don't normally get to talk to in a social situation, and brainstorm with each other about different things.

In every school situation (art) is the first thing that is cut back, and it is something that adds so much to the quality and character of an individual. As soon as they have the opportunity to spread their wings and fly, most young people leave Payson because there is so little here to offer them, especially in terms of the arts and culture.

We're talking about a major art gallery that will be a meeting place. We want to not only represent quality artists, but to have classes, to involve the local schools, to touch the community much the same way we've created the arts and business alliance.

More artists need to be diverse in the way they (present) their music. Gwen has been the first major pop artist to really capitalize on it.

These programs have grown amazingly in the last few years.