Story by Curtis Walsh  – Beaver County Radio. Published October 2, 2024 3:34 P.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) New Brighton is set to become the home of the first Free Little Art Gallery in Beaver County. A Free Little Art Gallery, also referred to as a FLAG, is a place where anybody can visit and view original artworks and take or leave one. Organizers of the New Brighton FLAG say that their motto is “Take Art. Leave Art. Love Art.”

The FLAG movement started in Washington state in 2020 with the idea that everyone can do art or own art. As of this past summer, 574 FLAGs have been mapped. Artwork found in FLAGs can range from children and amateurs to professionals.  Artists are also able to gain recognition for their work by including their name and social handles with their works.

The New Brighton Free Little Art Gallery will be located in the New Brighton Public Library. FLAG curators Allison Railing and Noel George say that they have been happily coordinating with New Brighton Library Director Lauren Cesnales on bringing this movement to the community. The gallery will have an art drop off area where the curators will photograph and post pictures of the donated works to social media. They will also have free art supplies available for those who want to create art but do not have the proper supplies.

A grand opening of the New Brighton Free Little Art Gallery is scheduled for November 2nd from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Food and refreshments will be served following the opening ceremony.