There's way more

Okay, so those interested or involved in the visual arts are in the process of planning an exhibition of visual art. We know there are other westenders whose focus may be in another area: literary arts, music, dance, theater for example. There's no reason why folks into other disciplines can't put heads together and figure out more ways to connect and maybe bring work out into the community at the same time. Maybe not at the art show event but in another venue, at a different time. I invite everyone who would like to meet other neighbors within their own discplines to come to the monthly meetings. Afterall, there's more to this art thing than pictures on the wall. I'd like to suggest that the meetings be more than just about planning events--that we make time for connecting and getting to know one another as neighbors and artists and writers and musicians, etc.

Come on in -- the water's fine...

Spring brings the promise of good things....In these economically, politically and spiritually trying times art is one of those "good things." We hope more of you artists, writers, performers, art lovers, community activists in this West End will jump in soon. The water is just a puddle so far--not too deep and a little on the tepid side. If you cannot make the meeting times, start commenting on blogs and contributing ideas anyway. We need and want all voices to be heard.

Building Blocks

Okay, I'm back. Not that I've been anywhere but here and still thinking about this potentially great little neighborhood. And how art can make it better. There's a new grant initiative at the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. It's called Creative Intersections. It's about developing real partnerships: art organizations, businesses and municipal or other government agencies to collaborate on an art-related project that will have a life beyond the project somehow. It's a challenging proposition that demands thinking a little deeper and having a broader vision about the kinds of projects that such a cross-sector collaboration can engender. I'd like to suggest that those of us interested in using the arts as building blocks to construct a richer, homier, livelier and culturally vital community begin by thinking about projects that deepen the sense of place and history of the West End area. It's not so much about applying for a grant as it is about beginning to consider what kinds of programs, events or activities we could work together on that would have a long-lasting impact; that might serve as a beginning rather than an end.

what a world

Hello west 7th artists, writers, music-makers, activists, advocates et al. Creativity is in the air--I'm hopeful that we will be infected with this new spirit as a loosely based collection of west-end dreamers (and subsequent do-ers). I walk and ride through these neighborhoods often and sometimes rue a lack of connectedness to the place. I know the area is a treasure trove of his and her stories. The potential to make our community more livable and lovable lies, I believe, in discovering how we can connect-- art can be a powerful means to bring people together to mine the riches.
Some connecting possibilities:
A multi-generational dance-party
Art displayed in empty storefronts
Public signage that carries one word/thoughtful messages sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods
A youth-based, youth only coffee/art house
A fund for granting smaller art projects/groups throughout the West 7th community
An art tour of, by, and for west-enders
A series of small events - one Thursday eve per month, for example, or Sunday afternoon (a reading, hour of music, a film, demonstration, art activity...)
Okay...gotta go, board meeting -- anyhow, it's your turn.