What does it take to build a thriving arts community?

In this episode, Greg Belz, founder of ArtWorks Foundation, shares his story of how one man’s background in television, advertising and promotion evolved into a decades-long mission to support artists and expand access to the visual arts across West Tennessee.

Belz shares how he went from working behind the scenes in media and entertainment marketing to organizing major art shows and founding a nonprofit dedicated to helping artists succeed both creatively and professionally. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Art in the Loop, a free annual festival that brings together dozens of artists, live demonstrations and classical music for thousands of attendees each spring.

If you care about creativity, community and the power of the arts to inspire and transform, this episode offers both insight and practical ideas for getting involved.

What does it take to build a thriving arts community in a place where resources are limited but creativity is not? In this episode of Reelfoot Forward, host Scott Williams sits down with Greg Belz, founder of ArtWorks Foundation, to explore how one man’s background in television, advertising and promotion evolved into a decades-long mission to support artists and expand access to the visual arts across Memphis and West Tennessee. Belz shares how he went from working behind the scenes in media and entertainment marketing to organizing major art shows and founding a nonprofit dedicated to helping artists succeed both creatively and professionally. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Art in the Loop, a free annual festival that brings together dozens of artists, live demonstrations and classical music for thousands of attendees each spring. The conversation goes beyond events to examine why art matters, especially in smaller and rural communities. Belz makes the case that art is not just decoration, but education, craftsmanship and economic opportunity. Along the way, Scott and Greg uncover shared connections in Memphis media and reflect on the people and experiences that shaped their paths. If you care about creativity, community and the power of the arts to inspire and transform, this episode offers both insight and practical ideas for getting involved.