The Arts Alliance, formerly the Mason Area Arts Council, was founded on the idea that the Warren County region needed an organized arts force. Nowadays they’re known for quality arts programming, including the Deerfield Handmade Markets, summer art camps, the Sounds of Deerfield performing art series and more. But it took a lot of research and work to get where they are today.
Executive Director Meredith Raffel and a team of dedicated individuals set out to establish the organization in 2006.
“Mason and our surrounding communities had gaps when it came to art festivals, summer art camps and art classes for adults and children” Meredith explains.
Her father suggested starting a nonprofit and building arts programming for the community. First, Meredith needed to get to know and understand her community even better. She took this task seriously and spent two years researching nonprofit arts organizations with the same demographics as Mason and Deerfield.
“Community arts leaders across the country were very generous with their time, sharing their experience as leaders and discussing challenges I would most likely face,” Meredith says.
After lobbying for an arts council in Mason, she was finally able to bring the first arts festival to the Mason Municipal Building parking lot in 2006. They attracted several thousand guests and featured 85 artists.
“I knew I was onto something,” Meredith tells us.
By 2012, Deerfield Township invited the Arts Alliance to consider bringing their programs to the entire region by utilizing the resources of Cottell Park and Snyder House.
“I attribute the staying power of this organization to Deerfield Township,” Meredith emphasizes. “They saw my vision, understood what I was trying to accomplish and serve as a model for any municipality that wishes to help build and support local arts organizations.”
Of all the Arts Alliance programs, the Deerfield Handmade Market is one of the most beloved in the community.
“There were so many talented people in our region who needed a place to showcase their work,” Meredith enthuses. “I love that the community gets to see and learn more about the creative process while also appreciating a handmade item.”
This year they will be adding an entrepreneur opportunity for 20 young artists between the ages of 12 and 18 to showcase and sell their work at the Kingswood Park Deerfield Handmade Market summer event on June 1.
“This will be a great opportunity for young artists to learn about entrepreneurship, working with the public, creating a body of work and being proud of their talents,” Meredith shares.
The Arts Alliance is always thrilled to have new volunteers and loves to hear ideas from the public for future programming! If you’d like to learn more about upcoming events, how to volunteer and more, visit The-Arts-Alliance.org.
The Arts Alliance in the Community
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The Arts Alliance was recently nominated as nonprofit of the year by the Mason Deerfield Chamber.
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In 2026 The Arts Alliance will celebrate 20 years of serving the community. To honor the milestone, they have plans to share a public art project throughout the parks in Deerfield Township.