Oh, The Possibilities...

I've posted two recent stories about thinking small when it comes to art. That doesn't mean to lower expectations. That doesn't mean boring. That doesn't mean less. That doesn't mean to get lower quality things...it just means that it's possible to make a difference without applying for a federal grant, asking for 30K on kickstarter, getting a famous artist to make a sculpture, or finding some rich guy to support you.

All that would be great (and if there are any rich people looking to support a young artist, you've got my email) but what would be even better is if we started initiatives which would be financially sustainable. If we could get to the core of what makes a good culture, and focus on that, maybe we can do things that don't require a grant...don't require the city...don't require anything more than art, artists and the community...

Not that these are great, would turn the economy around or make a great difference...but here's some ideas that have been rolling around my skull.

Random Art Happenings:
Last summer I started painting outdoors every so often...not setting up a stage or putting up a sign or table...just painting. And the response was amazing. I got rid of all my business cards, ended up talking to 15-20 people over the four hours, got out of the studio, and got a good piece done. It's nothing huge, but imagine walking to a park to see four or five canvases going at the same time...10 people drawing on paper...or even just some works of art in progress with a group of people having fun...

It's an idea that can be as simple as anyone walking down the street to a park, or as complicated as getting permission, a permit, and setting up an event...but either way, it's a simple way to get art out of the gallery and into the everyday, to get artists interacting, and to create a more accessible route for the community to see what goes into making art...We don't need to set up an art fair, we shouldn't make it about selling...all we artists need to do is realize that people are interested in HOW we do what we do and if we address those interests, we open their eyes to understanding the work and becoming comfortable enough to really make a decision like spending a few hundred on a piece...

Pop-up Shows:
There are buildings upon buildings with unrented spaces, empty floors, and wide open walls. No one is using them, no one is making money off of them, and they are basically taking up space. Is there a way to tap into those buildings? How much would we need to pay to throw on a weekend show?

I'm not suggesting individual artists rent the first floor of a warehouse for themselves as a studio (though that would be cool), but who's to say it's out of the question to rent one of these places for a week or two of prep, and a day or two of opening between a number of artists? It may cost some money...but it's better than putting your paintings in a pile...or struggling to rent a fancy studio that gets no traffic anyways.

A Push For Public Art:
One of the first thoughts that comes out of discussions on culture is public art. The problem, in my eyes, is that many people reserve that status to renowned artists and monumental works which cost millions, usually leave as many people happy as mad, and really don't mean anything personal to the place they are installed. They can be great...but they can be totally inconsequential as well. I've been doing placement pieces for over 2 years now...it's nothing that shocks you to the core...or is even seen by more than a dozen or so people, but every so often you hear "I saw this rainbow painted rock and I was so surprised and confused i just had to pick it up and put it somewhere" and that may not change the world, but it's doing more than the piece in your closet.

Look for buildings that could use a mural and contact the owners...see what you can get, but also realize that all people, let alone small business owners, are in a financial pinch. Do what you can to support yourself, while giving other people a chance to support you.

Twitter Crits & Blog Response:
Ever been to an "art party" or something like that? Ever been asked to check out a piece for someone and tell them what you think? Ever looked for critique on a piece? It's not the easiest thing to do after you lose the classroom and move into the real world. The art parties end up being much more party than art, the "response" is something like "I like it. I like the colors." And the crits usually end up, well, not really happening. Sure there's exceptions...but would anyone be interested in posting work on say...a blog...like this...and open it to crit? Would people react/respond? Can we get over feeling disrespected or angry if someone criticizes the work?

With social media, we've been given an amazing communication tool, yet no one seems to want to use it for real communication. Let's get some artists on a blog (like this one), let's get some pieces up...and let's start the discussion. I'm more than willing...but I can only post as much as the work I make.

Don't Be Selfish:
Share the opportunities you find with other artists. Everyone is in a community and it only makes it better to have more competition, more people interested, and more artists working to produce good art.

More to come...but there's a couple really simple ideas. None are probably going to put Milwaukee on the map overnight, but if that's your goal, you are fighting a losing battle.  These aren't groundbreaking, foolproof, guaranteed to work...or even new ideas, but they are simple things we can do as individuals to improve our city and it's culture. It would be great to build a billion-dollar center for the arts with studios, galleries, workshops, equipment, shows, a newsletter, grants, employment and all that stuff...but while you're looking for a charitable billionaire, a construction company, rights to land, permission from the city, project planners, investors, media coverage and public support for the next decade, I'll be happily painting in the park, discussing the piece with passers-by, and, hopefully, inspiring at least one person to look a little longer at the next piece of art they see.