Revitalizing Small-Town Communities: The Imaginative Approach of Lena Weisman '22
In the heart of rural Virginia, Lena Weisman is making a significant impact as the Executive Director of Gloucester Main Street. Weisman's role extends beyond the immediate future, as she spearheads strategic planning that aims to shape the town's development for years to come.
Weisman's connection with the community in Gloucester runs deep, and she believes art plays a crucial role in its vibrancy. The town, much like South Bethlehem, is a canvas where creativity and community intertwine.
Weisman's journey to this role was shaped by her experiences at Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG). During her sophomore year, she was introduced to LUAG and later, during her senior year, she undertook a full-semester research project at LUAG LAB, an interdisciplinary project space inside the Zoellner Arts Center.
Her project, titled "Reimagining Museums," focused on the potential of immersive technology to enrich the museum experience. One innovative aspect of her project was a "digital overlay" on a painting, offering viewers touchpoints to learn more about the work.
Weisman credits her time at LUAG for equipping her not just with knowledge, but with the practical skills that have proven invaluable in her current role. She emphasises the importance of considering both the big picture and the small details, a skill she honed at LUAG.
Art, for Weisman, is more than just aesthetics. It's a catalyst for investment, driving business growth, historic preservation, and building rehabilitation in Gloucester. Under her leadership, the town is poised for a vibrant and creative future, with Weisman at the helm of community development, historic preservation, and economic growth.
