The Mid-Ohio Valley is now certified as an "arts community" from the Artsbridge.

The valley is the third in West Virginia to be recognized for the award.

13 organizations were instrumental in making the award possible.

The Wood County Commissioners said they are looking forward to seeing more grants available to area art programs because of the award.

Wood County is the only county in all of West Virginia to receive an Artsbridge award.

The President of the The Actors Guild, Susan Schuchts, said, "I think that the fact that the arts are working together is foremost. It's necessary for our existence. We need to work together, and we have been doing that."

The group is also trying to expand more to other art programs in Marietta.