Five Years Forward: Stories of Leadership, Growth, and Community at RenewAll Inc.
This year marks five years since RenewAll Inc. officially started and began managing Village Antiques & Art, launching programs like Gallery 610 and Makers Art Fair, and deepening its commitment to revitalizing Huntington’s Central City District. Behind the murals, events, storefront improvements, and museum displays is a small but passionate team of people working every day to make this vision real.
To celebrate how far we’ve come, and where we’re going, we asked members of RenewAll’s leadership team to reflect on what the past five years have meant to them. Their stories highlight not just the work, but the heart behind it.
Lauren Kemp, Executive Director
Q: What’s one moment over the past 5 years that stands out for you?
A: “As the Executive Director of RenewAll, I have the job of being the advocate for the organization, and that often puts me out in front of the community. I have the honor of receiving accolades and building connections and partnerships, but there is a team of RenewAll Staff that are working every day to make stuff happen. Our staff is truly so dedicated to improving the community, and it's inspiring to see how much they believe in the mission and work of RenewAll. We are all growing in our roles together as we take on new challenges and projects. Leading RenewAll, supporting the staff, and knowing that I have their support are the best moments.”
Q: What’s something you think people don’t see behind the scenes that’s important? What would you tell yourself 5 years ago?
A: “Five years ago, I knew that we had momentum and community support, so our success is not a surprise. It’s the signs and benchmarks of this success that I couldn’t foresee: 7 staff, three commercial properties owned, two murals, two sculptures at a reimagined Gazebo Park, 20 events featuring small businesses and artists each year, and the network of local, state, regional, and national partners that we have built is phenomenal. I also knew there would be incredible challenges, like maintaining financial stability, gaining public awareness, and finding balance in priorities. I didn’t plan on being the go-to IT Help Desk, learning about commercial roofing, or mopping up after a burst water pipe, but that has been part of the job. Overcoming the challenges has been just as rewarding as the successful projects and events that I could foresee.”
Q: What’s your hope for the next 5 years of RenewAll?
A: “RenewAll is still a growing organization, but now our growth is shifting a focus on impact and refining programs. We are not aiming to grow larger in terms of staffing or square footage, but utilize the community support and resources we have to make an increasingly greater impact in West Huntington. We have a footing and have created results on all fronts of our mission and the 14th St West District Plan. Now we must invite the next phase of partnerships, opportunities, and challenges. We will strive for each next step, each small improvement, and each milestone toward the vision. It's not a mountain summit to climb, but a continuous focus on improvement and broader engagement. We hope that you consider getting involved through volunteerism, making investments in a small business or real estate project, and donating to support the mission of RenewAll. There are so many exciting things to come!”
Denise Poole, Social Enterprise Hub Manager
*Manager of Village Antiques & Art, Gallery 610 Curator, Makers Art Fair Coordinator, and Central City Museum Lead
Q: What’s your journey with RenewAll been like?
A: “My journey started nine years ago when I brought my small business to Central City and opened a small booth in what was then “Old Town Antiques”. Having just closed a beloved collaborative business I was a part of at Heritage Station (Common Ground Shoppes), I was drawn to yet another historic district – Central City. What began as a single booth eventually led to a part-time role, and now a full-time position managing several key programs. When RenewAll took over the shop and Lauren became Executive Director, I knew real change was coming, and I wanted to be part of it. These past five years have flown by, and the growth has been incredible. It’s not one single moment that stands out, but a whole montage: art installations, new dealers, community events, renovations, laughter, and collaboration.”
Q: What makes this work special to you?
A: “Many of our staff are also small business owners within the shop, which gives us a deeper understanding of the visitor experience. We get to see both sides: what it means to build something, and what it means to welcome someone into it. One of my favorite things is getting to know the artists in our community and giving them space to share their work through Gallery 610, outdoor fairs, and pop-up events. One thing that makes this work especially meaningful is that many of our staff are small business owners within the shop itself. Having that dual perspective, both as a manager and a vendor, helps us better understand what makes this space special and what our visitors are looking for. Above all, it’s the people I work with who make this meaningful: Lauren, Efi, Sequoia, Abby, Michelle, Lex—all artists in their own right and passionate about this district.”
A: “I’d love to see the district well known as an area of cultural richness with its historic buildings; local shops, with the blending of antiques, art galleries, outdoor spaces, additional eateries, vintage clothing, a music store, public art/murals, successful events, gardens, and convenient parking areas - including peddle bikes. It would be wonderful if the Senior Center also served as a Community Center, especially due to its location within the Central City Gazebo Park. Village Antiques & Art continues to be a central attraction hub, home to small business entrepreneurs with high-quality antiques, vintage, art, collectibles, and perhaps a small café area. The outdoor green space becomes a designation for relaxation as well as events, with landscaping and structures to increase the ability for a variety of successful events. A relocation and expansion of both the museum and art gallery areas.”
Sequoia Ware, Community Engagement Coordinator
Q: How has your role evolved since you started?
A: “When I first started working with RenewAll, I was hired on as an AmeriCorps VISTA and was working to finish my degree at Marshall. I had no idea what RenewAll was or did, but I had experience in the nonprofit sector, writing grants and organizing, so I wanted to take on the opportunity. I had no idea how much I would grow in this position. During my time as just a VISTA and not even a staff member, I knew this was a place I had to be. I was learning how to advance my skills as a writer and a marketing professional, and straight-up having a lot of fun doing it.”
Q: Is there a story or person that reminds you why this work matters?
A: “When I first came to Central City, it felt like home, not just because of its charm, but because it reminded me of where I’m from: a place shaped by history, hardship, and resilience (a common take for most small communities in West Virginia). I left my hometown searching for more, but I stayed in Huntington because I saw what’s possible when people come together with purpose. RenewAll and the Central City Association are proof that real change doesn’t just come from policy or policy changes alone; it comes from community. Through art, events, and support for local entrepreneurs, this work brings people together, sparks ideas, and reminds us that this place is worth investing in. It matters because it gives people a reason to stay and a reason to believe.”
Q: How can the community continue to be a part of RenewAll’s future?
A: “The best way to support RenewAll is by showing up and engaging with our core programs, such as our community events, Gallery 610, and Village Antiques & Art. Just attending an event, giving feedback, or sharing your experience goes a long way in shaping the future of this work. Word of mouth is powerful, especially in a community where some still hold outdated views of the West End. Talking about what we’re doing here helps shift that narrative. You can also support local artists and small business owners by shopping with us instead of big-box stores. The next time you're about to click ‘buy now,’ consider making that purchase from someone building a dream right here in your community.”
Q: What’s your hope for the next 5 years of RenewAll?
A: “My hope is that RenewAll becomes the first place that comes to mind when people think of community, creativity, and connection in Huntington. I want it to be as recognizable and respected as other incredible local nonprofits. The kind of change we’re working toward takes time, but five years from now, I hope people are talking about the impact we've made, and that the community truly sees how special this work is.”
