The City of Charles Town and the Jefferson Arts Council have received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to plan an Arts District in the downtown area. The $50,000 matching grant designates funds to hire a consultant, determine the arts district boundaries, create a mural on a downtown building, develop a way- finding plan for signage and produce a major arts event.

Details of the planning process will be announced at a press conference on Saturday, June 20, at 10 a.m. at Happy Retreat. The grant steering committee will ask for the public to get involved in the project by attending several “Idea Meetings” and signing up for work committees. Key personnel and important guests will be introduced.

Happy Retreat is the original home of Charles Washington, brother of our first president and the founder of Charles Town. The Charles Washington Symphony, an exciting new orchestra, will perform before and after the press conference. Refreshments will be served at the reception and members of the board of Friends of Happy Retreat will be available to take attendees on a bare bones tour of the residence.