News

Chalk It Up! founder named a Main Street Champion

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 10, 2022

Barbara Hughes, owner of Narnia Studios and the founder of the Chalk it Up! public art event that brings hundreds downtown, was recognized among 33 North Carolina Main Street Champions during a virtual Recognition Ceremony on Thursday.

Including this year’s honorees, 837 Main Street Champions have been recognized by the N.C. Department of Commerce since 2000.

“There are three common elements that are found in successful communities. These elements are asset based economic development strategies, public and private partnerships, and local champions,” said Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development at the N.C. Department of Commerce.

“Main Street Champions are the key to success in downtown revitalization. They possess courage to move downtown forward; they fight for positive change and do that with creativity and innovation; and they actively get things done, while staying focused on the downtown’s economic development strategies,” said Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center at Commerce.

Hughes is receiving the accolade having created and sponsored such annual events as Chalk It Up, Mighty Kite Flight, Black History Essay Contest, Tulip Extravaganza, and more. She's made it her mission to make her store, as well as Downtown Hendersonville, a destination location for travelers and locals alike with social events like Easter Bonnet Promenade, Lovers Lane On Main, Gingerbread Cookie Contest, and Tannenbaum Tea, all of which encourage visitors to stop and stroll up & down Main Street by adding a little extra magic to the beauty and bounty of WNC.

A public recognition will be held at the monthly meeting of Hendersonville City Council on April 7.