I think the earlier disaster has been redeemed. I still haven't found the nerve to put varnish over it. Time will tell soon enough.
We took the trip to West Jefferson, where they have all sorts of amenities for artists, and I'm left with two questions: What, exactly is meant by "amenities," and Is there a danger in expecting the Arts Council to do everything for us as artists?
By amenities, I mean first of all an atmosphere that is welcoming to artists, in which artists are appreciated and our artworks are respected. Perhaps the city would like municipal places and objects adorned; perhaps the city coould purchase one painting a year from an artist and rotate the honor. Then come the shows, festivals, and projects--some of which are coordinated with the performing arts..
Should we want the Arts Council to do everything for us? It's tempting, because the one in Ashe County is so successful and has so many projects in the works. But a still, small voice tells me that, if we are to thrive, we need to be fully responsible for our own marketing and exposure.
There won't be any easy answers, no matter what ball we can get rolling.
PW
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Eight now i am cleaning my space in the basement---again-----snatching the valuable from the cruddy.
My daughter has been helping.
I think about arts councils as venues that aren't there for artists as artists are for them.
Reliance on them should be tenuous; in s sense simlarly to how we should hold onto friends---lightly---so as to give each of us a little elbow room.
My art goals right now can be summed up in three things--production, production. production.
Out of production, I'll have things to share and say to and with my fellow artists.
Out of production I'll spark more ideas for more projects.
Out of of production I'll be able to sell my work---because you can't sell a product that doesn't exist.
finally, when one has proudced, one can negotiate with galleries, arts councils and whomever I need.
Cheers, to all!
This is a terrific comment, and it gives me something else to think about.
Does each Arts Council have its own mission statement, do you think?
I'm still not all that certain about reliance. I think "Bella" in West Jefferson had a striking point about depending on oourselves!
PW
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