Artists on the streets? Why not?
I was talking with an artist/gallery owner the other day about the Art Stroll and we both agreed that the Grove needs to go back to some of its roots.
We would like to see working artists on the streets. Now she thinks they should sell their wares. I think they should paint only. No selling and they should only be local artists.
So as not to turn the place into a flea market or carnival, maybe three artists a day will work -- all through permit basis and they will rotate daily or weekly -- there would be a different set of artists each day. The artists will paint on canvas, and I think, add a little charm to the streets. The artists would hand out business cards and direct interested buyers to galleries or their homes for sales, but they would not be selling right there on the street. They would be only working and that would be the objective -- an artist at work, just part of the scenery.
This would only be for artists painting on canvas, no jewelery makers, no t-shirt designers, ceramics, etc. This would serve to add an artistic air to the area and give a working artist some outdoor scenery to paint before the public.They could move around and not be confined to one area, they could paint whatever strikes them.
I think this would add a lot of charm to the area and let the Grove stand out a bit. They do this in New Orleans and it really is quite charming to see an artist at work, oblivious to the people around, just enjoying being in their element.
posted by Tom Falco at 11:29 AM
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16 Comments:
Three is perfect, there are three info booths, we can stick one in each booth and they can paint and give info at the same time. Just a thought.
the idea of charming is nice, but it doesnt pay the bills. if an artist has a chance to make a buck, they should take it, no matter where...
besides, it's way too hot most of the time for anyone to be painting on the streets here.
This takes some thought as it can get out of hand.
1. no buy sell
2. priority given to Grove Resident artists
3. tourist wanting a quick small souvenier will not be
going to artists studio. I discourage that for safty of artist.
As memb. of Key West Mallory Sq. artists, they have best system in place. It facilitates even snowbird artists who live there in season.
Regarding the last comment of heat. We live in the tropics and artists can sit in the shade. Thats why it is so important to save our tree canopy.
The proof of the pie is in the eating. I think we should try it, and then, if it works out, continue it and if it doesn't, then stop it.
I dont find this interesting at all. There are plenty of galleries in the Grove. Maybe lining the info booths with flyers or a mural or something would attract more attention to the galleries but we dont need any more vendors clogging up our already narrow and congested sidewalks (assuming they would not be in the already established booths). I just feel this only appeals to a small amount of the population. Thats my opinion anyways.
'blind mind is blind
why on earth would you not want to enhance the
quality of live with something less commercial.
What do you think made the Left Bank of Paris
so popular. It was not the statue of St. Michel
It was the artists. How about what started the
Coconut Grove Art Festival, Irma la Duce and the
artists who went out to the street and helped Charlie
Cinnamon promote the play. I'm all for innovation
but sometimes it's not necessary to reinvent the wheel. Oh did you ever see the 17 galleries that
existed in the Grove in those days.
Its not even that charming to tell you the truth. First we had "the good old days" when the Grove was the Grove and then we allowed it to be glitzed up and now we want to be artsy again. I'm for improving the quality of life for the residents with shops that sell something other than touristy things and dresses for teenagers (anorexic at that!).
Nope, we have enough art galleries in the Grove and in Coral Gables and the Design District. And in any event, artists to paint so the village looks "quaint????" They can't sell their paintings and have to hand tourists cards to their studios? Just for the fun of frying in the sun and having tourists admire our vast "culture???" Pleeeeeazzzze! We are quaint. We're a great place. Let's concentrate on making it greater for ourselves. The rest will follow.
PS: Hey if we want 'artists at work'....suggest to the tourists to go to Tu Tu Tango. They had the idea first! And they would be supporting a local business in the process of eating and admiring the paintings.
Right and RIGHT, Elena.
as an artist, I'd find it so nourishing to nestle down in the grove and paint black-lacquer windowed Escalades all summer long.
As an artist, I'd find it so nourishing to see the water, the boats, the greenery, flowers and the parks, the cafes, the old houses, the street lamps, the brick sidewalks, the funky shops and the tree-lined streets. The Barnacle, Vizcaya, the Woman's Club and Main Highway, Fuller Street, Commodore Plaza and the old churches (Plymouth and some in West Grove). I see the original old houses in West Grove, I see the Farmer's Market and the crowds young and old enjoying Coconut Grove. You apparently see a car lot.
If wanted to paint in public (and were actually talented enough to do so), would I need a permit?
Or is that just something more organized?
I'm sure that 'as an artist' you would not enjoy being observed like a tourist attraction either! Well, I don't paint so I wouldn't know...just a wild guess...
Organized "artists at work" seems a bit contrived, although in theory it has some charm. Artists may find it difficult to unleash creativity within the parameters of rules. As an artist, I imagine I can set up wherever I please without needing a permit.
I mean, what if some happy tourist noticing the artsy quality of a real live street artist, wanted to keep the moment alive in memory, and thus offered to buy the fauvist, abstract landscape being painted of the facade of Cocowalk?
I really do like the creativity of the idea, however, instead of the serious strategic planning outlined in the post, maybe a specific "artist's corner" could be established. Simply where different artists interpret and paint the same scene in their own reflective style. For instance, the ever changing scene at the corner of Greenstreet...Now that would make an interesting gallery exhibit, and one that would promote the Grove wherever it was shown.
Cliche. Plain and simple. Setting something up just to give off a certain vibe. Seems a little anti-artistic to me.
No more anti-artistic than limiting the "art" to paint on canvas.
Boy, don't let any of those watercolor painters come - there goes the neighborhood!
All forms of art should be encouraged - musicians, actors, weavers, sculptors, hell even the crazy kid spray painting to techno music makes tourists happy for a little while.
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