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IT’S TIME TO UNITE!
Welcome to The Oil City Art Syndicate. This isn’t just another networking group or a “professional association” where we sit around in uncomfortable chairs and exchange business cards.
Based In Oil City PA, the Art Syndicate is a collective of local NW PA artists, painters, writers, musicians, jewelers, and every other type of creative weirdo under the sun. who believe that we are stronger together than we are alone. It’s a place for the misfits and the makers to unite, share what we know, and actually get things done in our community.
IN PERSON MEETINGS ONCE A MONTH
Real connection happens in person, not just behind a screen. We organize a monthly meeting where we can actually get together, look each other in the eye, share what’s bouncing around in our heads, and plan our next big moves. It’s a low-pressure way to brainstorm, troubleshoot your latest creative hurdle, and make sure we’re actually following through on the events we want to see in the world.
TBD
LOCAL MONTHLY UPDATES
The Oil City Art Syndicate is for artists across the NW region of PA and beyond, with our central hub located in Oil City.
Look, we’re all busy creating, and it’s easy to miss out on the good stuff happening right under your nose. If you want to keep your finger on the pulse of the local scene without having to hunt for it, sign up for the Art Syndicate Newsletter.
ART SYNDICATE ON DISCORD
If you want to keep the momentum going between meetings, join The Art Syndicate on Discord. This is our digital clubhouse where we continue the conversations started at our meetups, share immediate opportunities, and stay connected daily. Whether you have a quick question or just want to see what everyone else is working on, it’s the place to be.
ART SYNDICATE NEWS
Victory for the Artists! (But the War Isn’t Over)
I’m doing a literal happy dance in the studio today. If you’ve been following my recent (yesterday) saga with the “Tax Man,” I have some fantastic news: I got my tax exemption back with Blick Art Materials! As it turns out, my gut instinct was right. A “pencil pusher” at the PA Department of Revenue…
The “Art Isn’t Real” Tax Fiasco: A Love Letter to the PA Dept. of Revenue
Recently, an outdated Pennsylvania ruling declared that artists do not qualify as manufacturers for tax exemptions, leading to frustration among creators. However, there’s a positive movement to address this issue. Artists are now rallying together to advocate for their rights, emphasizing the undeniable value of creative businesses in the economy.
What We’re Doing Here
We realized a long time ago that being an artist can feel like being on a deserted island. We’re all out here shouting into the void, hoping someone hears us. The Syndicate is about building a bridge between those islands across Northwest Pennsylvania.
- Share Resources: Need to know where to get the best frames? Looking for a local printer who doesn’t suck? Have a truck and some extra plywood? We share the gear, the knowledge, and the shortcuts.
- Collaborate on Chaos: Sometimes your weird idea needs a writer, and someone else’s song needs a cover artist. This is where those “What if we…” conversations turn into actual projects.
- Organize Our Own Events: We aren’t waiting for a gallery to give us permission or a “prestigious” festival to invite us. If we want a show, we’re going to build the walls ourselves and throw the party of the year.
- Gather for Change: We live here. We create here. We have a voice, and the Syndicate is how we use that voice to make our region a place that actually values the people making the art.
Who This is For
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit into the “traditional” art scene, you belong here. Whether you’re a pro with a 20-year career or a “baby artist” just starting to get paint on your fingers, we don’t care about your resume. We care about your drive to create and your willingness to help the human standing next to you.