Welcome to the next generation of WREN! Founded in 1994 as the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network, WREN is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, committed to our mission: supporting better lives and livelihoods through education, economic development, and community engagement in the North Country. Today, WREN is a community organization open to all, providing educational and cultural opportunities in a supportive network. WREN is for everyone!For over 30 years, WREN has been supporting better lives and livelihoods in the North Country. Your support makes our good work possible!
What does WREN do?
Free programming:In collaboration with our community partners, WREN offers a robust slate of free programming to make opportunities for arts experiences and community connections available to everyone in our community. See all of our events here.
Entrepreneurial Support:WREN offers entrepreneurial support for emerging and established entrepreneurs, including one-on-one support. We also administer the CDBG program, which provides grant funding for low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs; many of our entrepreneurial clients benefit from this program and receive our services at no cost. Learn more about the CDBG program here.
Arts Experiences:In our state-of-the-art gallery, we present a new exhibition every other month. These exhibitions provide visibility for local and regional artists, and provide a cultural outlet where the public can gather to learn about, appreciate and support local art and artists, while forging deeper community ties. Each exhibition features an opening reception; these events are free and open to the public. Gallery receptions provide a valuable opportunity for community members and visitors alike to engage with the exhibition, meet the artists, and enjoy the company of the North Country’s vibrant arts community. Learn more about The Gallery at WREN here.
Market Access:The Store and Gallery at WREN provide market access for local and regional artists and makers. Emerging artists and makers can test the waters with new products, receive valuable feedback on packaging, presentation, and pricing from WREN staff, increase their brand visibility, and generate revenue without the pressure of opening their own storefront. The Store and Gallery at WREN anchors the West end of Bethlehem's Main Street, promoting economic vitality in our downtown area, and sales from the Store and Gallery support local artists and makers.
As a nonprofit, WREN depends on grant funding and the support of our generous donors so that we can continue to provide our existing services, and to be responsive to the changing needs of our community by developing new programming. Today, grant funding is scarcer than ever, and community connections are more important than ever.Your donations are an important part of our success, and WREN's success is the community's success. Thank you for your support!