A new network of Eau Claire designers is making moves toward creating a more inspired and supported design community. The Dairyland Designers Association aims to help out designers in myriad ways, most importantly allowing them the space and connections to develop their craft creatively and professionally. Catering to nearly all variety of visual artists, hobbyists, students, and creatives, the organization intends to broaden the depth and scope of Eau Claire’s creative community. Describing the motivation to start the association, Serena Wagner of Odd Brand Strategy, one of the org’s founders, said, “Now that our city is growing, the need for designers is huge, but I’ve known amazing designers who have up and left this area because design culture isn’t really here yet.” By “design culture” she’s talking about the networking opportunities, fundraisers and professional development that hasn’t quite reached Eau Claire yet. The organization plans to host creative happy hours, keynote speakers, workshops, fundraisers, group projects, outings, and studio tours. They held a kickoff event at The Lakely in May, which served to spur open discussion about the association’s future. A great way to sum up their efforts and intentions is found in the Dairyland Designers Association mission statement, which says that their mission is to “cultivate a creative atmosphere where professionals feel stimulated, inspired, and engaged in the Chippewa Valley.”