One only has to type the words “arts” and “economy” in a search engine to find lead after lead of how the arts continue to do their part in maintaining and increasing economic impact in their respective communities.
Live, Work, Create is located in Toledo and is one such example. Working under the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, the group has created an Art Zone which contains over 60 live/work studios in a downtown neighborhood and are not only revitalizing that area, but also they are providing financial stability for many artists through the program.
Established in 2007, this program attracted more than $50,000 in city support, tax credits and professional development opportunities as well as $122,000 in federal funding spearheaded by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. The initiative also fosters collaboration between municipal government, real estate developers, businesses, restaurants, pubs, homeowners and arts communities as a whole.
Our Annual High School Invitational will open Sunday, April 26, 2015 with a reception from 1:00 to 5:00 pm and remain on view through May 15.
We continue to brainstorm new creative outlets to our area with our exhibits, classes and events. Our ArtReach classes are preparing for their puppet-type production of the children’s classic, “Frederick” which Frederick is a mouse whose skills don’t necessarily fall aligned with typical mouse skills, however he brings to his mouse family a meaningful gift. In addition to live music and a hotdog bar, the play will premier during our Annual High School Invitational exhibit opening, Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Student awards will be presented at 2:00 pm and the show will be on view through May 15, 2015.
For more information on all programming and other contacts, see: www.wassenbergartcenter.org.
By Hope Wallace, Wassenberg Art Center