Art Walk Update

 wanted to update you on our efforts to get area artist engaged in bringing art to the downtown. Since most appear to be hesitant to commit to the Russell Block project at this point, Bryan Snuffer and I have proposed a new initiative to get their feet in the water, so to speak. Bryan had been to Arizona where he heard about "Art Walks". These are day-long artist showings in downtown businesses. Several artists are paired up with a like number of businesses and the public is invited to come to the downtown businesses to see the art and meet with the artists. The works are generally for sale as well. It draws new patrons to businesses and exposes the regular patrons to the artists. A win-win, low investment marriage between downtown businesses and artists.

Bryan and I shared this concept with the group that we are holding together for the Russell Block project. Most have been warm to the idea. So we took the next step of meeting to discuss how to begin having Art Walks - and where to have them. Only three of us showed up for the meeting, but we made good progress - and shared the results of our thinking with other. Several others are now warmer to the concept and wanting to participate. The next step was to locate a potential site for the premier Art Walk. We opted to start with the Frauenthal and ask about their lobby on Western Ave. If the weather is good we may even be able to have some art on the sidewalk - we hope to keep a "street front" feel to the Art Walk (making the downtown feel more vibrant.) Future Art Walks would hopefully be hosted by some of the area businesses. So starting at the Frauenthal is designed to be a sign of community support that encourages others.

I called the Frauenthal and talked with a woman named Heather. She was also "warm" to the idea, but will need to run this past others and then get back to me. Since she didn't say "no", I assume this is not an unreasonable request, or one that is against policy. I will let you know when I hear back. We hope to have the first Art Walk in June and will promote it as best we can. We think we can have at least 6-10 artists for this first venture, and believe we can grow it from there. We will also let the Art Museum know, once we are certain. Judy's support has always been valued - as is yours.

My hope is that we can begin to forge a connection between the area artists and the downtown, so that this group can take the next step of getting a permanent location (the Russell Block Building). I doubt the city would allow us to do this, but it would be nice at some point to have one of the Art Walks in one of your buildings. However, I am sure the liability issues make that idea a non-starter. Let me know what your thoughts are on this notion.

In the meanwhile, we are forging ahead to get artists moving towards the downtown.

GPack