future Art Walk idea
Posted by Carol Lopez  on March 1, 2015, 8:04 am
189.169.170.199
Many people I have talked to were frustrated this year that they coudn't
get to all the venues before the event was over.
I am aware that the steering committee is meeting to plan for next year.
I propose that Art Walk is held on
Saturday and Sunday next year. Anyone want to give their opinions on
that idea?
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by becci Starr on March 1, 2015, 8:16 am, in reply to "future Art Walk idea"
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I think it is a stellar idea and frankly I have never understood the event which I call the shortest art walk convering the longest distance…. I have many friends from Manzanillo that wouldn't waste their time after coming the first year I invited them and felt they had to run around town taking a quick peek here and there before running to the next venue. While we are on the subject why not adjudicate this event. Why is it the same artists and the same stuff every year…are you afraid to bring in a panel of qualified judges to weed out the riff raff or is it a small art club that incestuously accepts those with big fancy houses or an inside track on the local venues and the real artists get the shaft…It keeps getting harder to go to this event until one realizes there may be a little gem like Barry with her insanely original art tucked away among the seascapes and Mexican provincial town paintings that I swear are the same as the ones displayed the year before. Also how about someone come to your planning meeting and give the LM artists a lesson in pricing as this too is all over the board.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by becci Starr on March 1, 2015, 8:50 am, in reply to "future Art Walk idea"
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I would like to add that I thought your work, Carol, was very fresh and brand new but then again I know that you are a working artist with many shows and exhibits to your credit…thank you for sharing your art every year….
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by davidstrand on March 1, 2015, 9:08 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
69.22.169.2
Excellent idea Carol...
An alternative could be to cordon off Main Street ... like the Friday tianguis-- this would allow artists to display their works... and visitors to view all these works in a timely fashion on the proposed Sunday... It would be less time consuming and everyone (including those people who have trouble navigating stairs/hills) could see ALL the artists wonderful works...
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Darzo on March 4, 2015, 12:23 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
187.148.141.19
I agree with Becci Starr,the Art Walk could benefit from fresh input,and perhaps a more open,relaxed attitude. A few years ago some friends and I (all painters) came here, thinking we could just sort of"join up"in the Walk,but no, "we hadn't registered, it was all full,.." and blah blah...We went on the walk anyway,and saw some very captivating work as well as the usual sentimental scenes aimed at tourists. What we did like the best,-and ended up doing ourselves,-was the artists that were out of the official loop. They just set up on the sidewalks, maverick-style,with their displays.There was some really fun,exciting pieces in these tag-along exhibits.So I'd say keep it geographically cohesive, and let anyone interested be in the show.
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Posted by Mazinka on March 4, 2015, 4:28 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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The main point I would like to make is that the Art Walk is too much a gringo affair and I think it's time to bring some Mexican artists on board. It definitely needs some new input one way or another.
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Posted by jean on March 4, 2015, 8:03 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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Posted by Ike on March 4, 2015, 9:51 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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Ditto.
I don't know the logistics involved, but these all sound like positive suggestions to me that would improve the Artwalk.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by becci Starr on March 5, 2015, 8:00 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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everything gringo's create is a gringo affair and every time I read this is seems like another brick in the race wall. Why not invite a non gringo to be on the steering committee…I think it should be about good art not an affirmative action walk…
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Ron Stock on March 5, 2015, 7:20 am, in reply to "future Art Walk idea"
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Let me say this, the Art Walk Counsel is always open to new ideas. But we do have a tendency to stick with certain things that have worked in the past. This year was our best year in attendance, and we also raised more money for Children's Art Programs than we have in any other previous year, so something is obviously working properly. And to my knowledge, we have never turned away any artist who qualified; that is to say they must create their own work, and reside in La Manzanilla for a short period of time each year. Also, it is each artists responsibility to find their own venue. And, we have always encouraged local Mexicans to be in Art Walk; we will wave their entry fee if money is a problem. We have discussed these issues among ourselves every year since the beginning. I also have to mention that of all the people on this tread who seem so unhappy with the way Art Walk is being run, to my knowledge only one has volunteered to help us in the past. Even several of the regular Art Walk participants have not stepped forward to help. So I think we should be grateful that approximately 35 artists and non-artists friends have devoted hours and hours of their time each year to make this event as successful as it has become.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by becci Starr on March 5, 2015, 7:50 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
187.148.187.155
Seems more like an art club than an art walk. I didn't feel very welcome when I came to a meeting once and the others were unwilling to explain what precisely was going on. I had never been to a meeting nor the art walk but as everyone knows I live in Boca perhaps I simply didn't fit the criteria but no one bothered to tell me that either. In any case I was one of the people who set myself up in the street only to learn it is not so much about selling ones work as it is showing it. That was my first and last year as a participant.
I find the galleries to be crowded with so much art it's hard to know what one is looking at and climbing the hill to see in some cases the same art as one climbed the hill to see the previous year may be okay for some but not for all.
I think one way to help people navigate what they are interested in would be to have each artist submit their best work and include it in a group show in perhaps the jardin or maybe even the church where art walkers can make choices about the artists who they want to see more of and then seek out those venues.
Shake it up people…The same art in the same venues and what do you have the same art walk year after year.
If ever there is a group who should be able to come up with a new art walk style it would seem to me it is the art walk steering committee but then again aren't those the same people yaer after year as well.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by bonnie on March 5, 2015, 8:31 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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The art walk functions incredibly well for such a small town. Quality of art is always a personal thing, and i find the idea of judging to be ridiculous here. "it is art if i say it is" is true , whether someone is a beginner or a master. I dont understand the criticism after an incredibly well attended art walk... There is a lot of work involved, and for such a small town, i think it functions incredibly well. And just because the gringos are involved doesnt make it racist. And i personally do not want to set up in the street.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Ron Stock on March 5, 2015, 8:50 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
201.133.154.238
Oh,and I forgot to mention the many, many thanks we receive each year from the local business owners for bringing all these people into La Manzanilla for a Sunday afternoon.
Or, how excited so many of the scholarship students are to be given a chance to learn about art and then express themselves artistically because of the devoted efforts of so many of the Art Walk volunteers and friends. See thread on Efren's Class.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Carol Lopez on March 5, 2015, 9:04 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
189.169.155.161
If you really want something to think about, google 'what is art?'
I've discussed this with so many people for so many years, and am now
very happy with the freedom of saying 'Everything is art to someone' and
leaving it at that. It's difficult not to judge, jeer, criticize, compare,
but I try to keep all that to myself...otherwise, I end up contradicting
myself every time.
I started this thread with a suggestion to have the Art Walk be for 2 days -
Saturday and Sunday. I haven't seen much response to this idea, so I plan to
just do some extra advertising, and say my venue will be open on both days,
calling the Saturday a day to 'preview' my display.I think that might
take the pressure off people who just could not cover the whole town in
one day.
Of course that means I have to be ready a day early, but that is my
own responsibility -
there's always a chance that I'll change, and be organized for once!
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Posted by Doris on March 5, 2015, 9:53 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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How about adding an extra hour or two for a one day Art Walk? I know it would be hard on the exhibitors, just another idea.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Tombowen on March 5, 2015, 10:16 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
187.148.141.210
As a bit of an outsider and only in La Manz six weeks of the year I must say what a great thing the art walk is. We came a week early this year just so we could take in the art walk.As I like to paint while here it was suggested I submit some of my paintings. Unfortunately or fortunately? I registered late and there was limited space in the established venues to hang but three small paintings so I hung a number out on the fence. As this seemed to be the first place seen by the many visitors from out of town I enjoyed meeting them and handing out the maps a giving directions.
I think the art walk is a great thing and agree it could benefit from being held over two days. Many flights come and go on Saturday and Sunday so some visitors may be able to take in one day versus the other. I was amazed at the number of out of town folks that day.
Palapa Joes was a great venue being on the Main Street and able to accommodate a number of artists.
Just a suggestion, maybe Abbie should arrange to show some works in her court yard not in competition with the gallery pieces but as a draw to the gallery.
Well as an outsider looking in I think you are doing a great job and like the suggestions to make it even better.
Best wishes .
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Posted by Nancy C on March 5, 2015, 10:56 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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You can't please all the people all the time. There will always be negative or critical comments no matter what. As one with no artistic talent, I think it was great for our town and the local businesses. It is a fun event that obviously required a lot of hard work and planning.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by becci Starr on March 5, 2015, 1:35 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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Don't kill the messenger guys…I'm just giving the feed back I've heard. And yes Carol two days is a great idea…that and some new blood can't hurt…it isn't broken, doesn't need to be fixed if people think it is so great as is but never hurts to improve on a good thing does it good citizens of LM….????
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Posted by Galeria La Manzanilla on March 5, 2015, 2:56 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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I like the 2 days idea I have lots of people that they come before to see what I have becouse they know is gonna get busy ... Tom the Gallery welcomes different artist that day, probablly next year you can do it here I only had Gabriela de La Vega this year...Yes Ron you guys did a great job and I know yo keep doing it in the free art class for the kids congratulations
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Posted by bonnie on March 7, 2015, 9:36 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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i think 2 days is a lot... unless the sunday date is short., like 12 til 2.. but i would be interested in the group response..
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Carol Lopez on March 7, 2015, 10:06 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
189.169.155.161
If we had 2 days, they could both be shorter - say 10:00 - 2:00, since
the 2:00-3:00 time seems to be when the traffic really slows down, anyway,
even on our current one day event.
And as a vendor, I enjoy that quiet
time at the end of the day, when people can stay and just chill out.
The 2 day event would also allow vendors to re-group, reorganize the
space, modify their signage, all those things that would make Day 2
an improvement over Day 1. Because, in my experience, no matter how
I try, I forget from one year to the next what worked the best.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Larry F on March 7, 2015, 10:48 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
189.164.250.10
Not sure why the topic of the length of Art Walk lingers on. Every year, since its inception 7 years ago, the participants of the event have revisited the idea of of a longer event, including increasing or shortening the hours. In every case, we have left it as it is.
Five hours is sufficient time for most people to cover the ground, including lunch. As well, it is not practical in group venues to dismantle displays in order to set them up again the next morning..
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------------------------Re: Future Art Walk idea
Posted by Charley on March 7, 2015, 5:44 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
I have been an ART Walk artist ,participant for few years but not in the past two years. and for me it has worked well as an artist or as a viewing patron.
1) 5 hours is enough for any one to view all venues.
2) no to the "two days"? why? the venues owners might not want to donate their spaces for two days.
not good for participants to set up and take down.
3) Artists are changing their approach to their own art every year and you can see that........ did you see Ron Stock " waves" series before?
4) and becci, too bad that you have decided that this was your "first and last" art walk. You could have worked on the committee. There are a lot of tasks to be done .(i know from experience) and I congratulate the committees .Larry and Pam, Ron and all ,for continued dedication to make the Art Walk what it is.
This not a SOFA exhibit in New York, Chicago or Santa FE.
I have been professional artist for 45 years and i have participated in shows of varying caliber.
This is La Manzanilla del Mar...................
ART WALK organized by artists volunteers.
It is popular and well attended on the Costa alegre
5)I used to live in Boca de Iguanas and participated in the Art Walk as an artist.I was welcomed from the start.
Mexican artists have been on the committee.
Even if you do not participate, support the programs with your donation or buy an Art walk T shirt.
After all this my only suggestion: white T shirt only (with same logo) so we , Artists can embellish them individually.....( and have a silent auction there after... or not)
Gracias , Artistas de La manzanilla.
Thanks again
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------------------------Re: Becci
Posted by Nancy B on March 7, 2015, 6:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Future Art Walk idea"
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Some of us are amature artists, some of the art does not sell and is shown again the next year with whatever is new, hopefully we improve. The idea is to get feed back, provide the town with a little stimulus, and raise money for children's art projects and have fun. I pay my 200 peso entrance fee, and yes, I live in a big house, but everyone is invited, and as Ron said the entrance fee is waived to those who can't afford it. Mexican artists are welcome, I too wish there were more. Maybe rather than complaining about that you should figure out how to get more local Mexican artists to participate. Your comments are insulting and nonproductive. If you want change, get involved.
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------------------------Re: Becci
Posted by jon pace on March 7, 2015, 10:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Becci"
becci: Your comments are insulting and nonproductive.
Nancy, I agree.
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------------------------casino?
Posted by Nancy B on March 11, 2015, 10:06 am, in reply to "Re: Becci"
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I think it might be a good idea to try a two day event but understand that it might cause some logistical compromises and adjustments. Has anyone approached the town about using the casino as a central area for artists that live up the hills or far away from the center? I have a lot of space at my house and would like to have one or two more artists show with me, they just need to contact me and see if we are compatible space and personality wise. I am right down town.
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------------------------Re: Future Art Walk idea
Posted by jon pace on March 7, 2015, 10:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Future Art Walk idea"|
Thanks for wrapping things up on an accurate and positive note Charley.
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Posted by Mazinka on March 10, 2015, 9:19 am, in reply to "Re: Future Art Walk idea"
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I've never known a Mexican artist ever being on the committee. Can you mention a name?
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------------------------Re: Future Art Walk idea
Posted by Charley on March 10, 2015, 4:03 pm, in reply to "Re: Future Art Walk idea"
There is no formal executive committee.
People come at the beginning of the season to the initial meeting and different tasks are assigned to informal adhoc committees.(publications, signs, venues contact and assignments,students programs, etc.......)
As for Mexican artists, I have worked in the past on committees with Abel, Pino (jeweller),Anaxaxi, Efren and Rodrigo. Involved in some part of Art walk or other.
I asked Larry Field for his opinion.
"Charley, people keep talking about a committee, but in fact there is not a committee until now. We are currently developing guidelines for Art Walk so that there is a consistency to what we do.
The committee at present has no Mexicans on it. I believe you are referring to Mexicans who have come to big group meetings, and there has been some. The problem is that there are few Mexican artists in town. Understandably, Mexicans are not used to structures, like meetings and stuff, that we are. Plus there is a language problem. We would love to have a Mexican on the committee. Just have to find one."
If you were willing to participate in any of the meetings you would be more than welcome and you would find out more from the organizing core group.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Becci Starr on March 10, 2015, 7:48 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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Gee thanks guys. From my point of view, which I thougt I was entitled to, it is what it is and somebody is being a little sensitive. You've bashed me so many times on this message board that it is fairly obvious you don't want to hear what I have to say.....pity the person that doesn't agree with the majority on the board and those are the people so consumed by bashing they really need to get a life. Disgusting is a word that does not apply unless you are...
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Posted by Marilyn on March 7, 2015, 10:41 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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I would like to see the art moved out of the homes and into the jarden. There are some of us who have hip and/or knee problem. I rarely make it to the homes, as most are up hills. This year I was not able to go to any of them. Then there would not be a need for a second day. Maybe add an hour or so to the day and then with the art more centrally located the art walkers should be able to get to see everyone's work.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Judy B on March 10, 2015, 9:30 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
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Could the large hall that they do the dog clinic in be used to house several artists?? That would help those who can't do all the stairs and hills.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Judy DB on March 10, 2015, 12:11 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
My wifi is spotty today so having a hard time reading all the messages, so I will throw out a few ideas as hopefully I will be there Jan 15-March 15 next year and will be able to participate.
In the Ajijic art walk, artists who live in areas too far out of the central areas set up in other artist's homes. I was on the roof terrace of the house of a friend who hosted six artists in addition to work shown by her husband and herself.
I am going to be at Casa Gaviotas, next to Daniel's, and would be glad to host one or two other artists.
Other artists could show in their own homes or set up on the street. Anything that cuts down on time spent going from venue to venue gives people more time to view the art.
I thoroughly agree with Carol's idea that it be two days long. I've participated in a number of these events in a number of places and they are always two days long. Once you've gone to the work of setting up, why not just give people the time to get to you? Local restaurants will benefit by the increased flow it brings for two days rather than one.
I also think it is a good idea to have artists who don't have available or close-enough studio space to set up in the plaza or along the streets. If you included them as part of your group, it could bring in some extra revenue for you,but if they want to do it informally on their own, there is really not much you can do to stop it.
For really big A&C shows, a "fringe show" always develops--a side show of people not juried into the original show. This is true of most of the really top-ranked shows. This hurts no one, and is another possible route if you don't want to deal with having a street show in addition to the studio shows. If you plan it, you control it. If not, people will meet their own needs and there is really nothing that can be done about it.
Hope some of this helps. Have the dates been set yet? As a two month resident will I be able to participate? I've been coming to La Manz for many years now, for the past four years for a two month period...Do I even begin to qualify as a La Manzanillan???
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Larry F on March 10, 2015, 12:45 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
189.164.250.10
Answers for Judy.
Art Walk is always on the last Sunday of January. You will be welcomed to participate. Art Walk is not a club, but an ever changing group of arists that change like the tide. The residency criteria is loose - just be living in La Manzanilla area ( including Bocca) at the time of Art Walk.
We hope that people will sign up to participate and pay the small fee. All the proceeds, including left over participant fees, are given to children's art programs. Those who choose to sell their work separate from ArtWalk are depriving these programs of potential funds.
We do not jury work, as we are non-judgemental. We have faith in people, in that they will bring the highest quality of work that they do.
Artists cannot, as you suggest, set up in the jardin. The Delegado will not permit it. Artists cannot set up on the street without a permit from the Delegado. Art Walk obtains a permit that applies only to registered participants.
We appreciate the suggestions about two-day events and a contracted route. Every year we have revisited these ideas and have chosen to keep it the way it is. In future, however, who knows?
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Carol Lopez on March 10, 2015, 5:18 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
189.164.207.168
It seems that some people believe we all have to share the same opinion, and take it personally
when people express different ones. I guess that's human nature...
Larry, I think 'conversations linger' because circumstances change. The Art Walk has changed dramatically
since it started, even from one year to the next.
Every year we have a few very short meetings to make big decisions that now impact a lot of people.
But it's hard to hear everyone's ideas in a short meeting of 20 people. So decisions are made in
a hurry, by people who are perceived to have the most authority, confidence, history, etc.
That's why I think this message board thread is so useful. Here everyone can express their ideas,
needs, wants, judgements, etc., and the readers can take time to
mull them over, revise them, re-post, etc.
until finally, people who are willing to put the ideas into effect take the action that creates an
impressive event. You and the steering committee are willing to take those actions, and the rest of
us truly appreciate your contribution.
I, for one, propose a 2 day event, because it would suit me better. On the second day, I make adjustments
to my display, change location of the signs, and make other changes that I hadn't thought about before
the first day.
It's more relaxing to be able to greet people and chat with them, than to watch a river of people
running through, panicked that they might miss something in another venue if they stop to really look.
I realize that not everyone agrees with me. Maybe we can have a compromise - ie, on the brochure,
a * beside the venues that will be open both days. Then those of us who want to choose that option
will have the choice. Those who don't want to stay open both days will be able to walk around
and see what their fellow artists are up to on the other day.
However all this is decided, I think it's great that we have this message board for a free exchange
of ideas well before the event. And again, thanks to all who participate and help keep art, Art,
craft, artesania, whatever you want to call it, as a vibrant presence in our community.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Linda Koenig on March 12, 2015, 9:58 am, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
I will be the tail of this talking fish to let you know,
ART SATURDAY resumes 2016, focus: PAPER.
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------------------------Re: future Art Walk idea
Posted by Ron Stock on March 12, 2015, 2:34 pm, in reply to "Re: future Art Walk idea"
201.133.154.238|
The Art Walk Steering Committee has discussed all the issues in these threads concerning the length of next year's Art Walk and will take a straw vote at our first "At Large" meeting next December 1st to decide whether to keep the hours from 10 to 3, or to change them to 10 to 4. A two-day event seems like it would take waaaaaay too much more energy at this time.
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