"Seventy-four visual artists from Lake Wales and the surrounding area were invited to attend the visual artists’ focus group meeting that was held on December 8th. 18 attend with three who were unable to attend but want to be included on all follow-up communication. There was a good mix of artists of all ages and types of media. After getting refreshments, the group got down to business with ideas and suggestions. We went around the table allowing each attendee the opportunity to speak and each attendee did speak to their ideas. Twice the building came up but Barb and Jean quickly stated we were here for ideas not to speak to the building. The group had a lot to say and there were discussions on how to go about implementing some of the ideas which was wonderful to see the enthusiasm. We met for two and a half hours and could have stayed a few more hours! After looking through the list of ideas/suggestions, several areas kept coming up that the artists were looking for:
1. Communication – through e-newsletters and the website on a regular basis. They would like a list of workshops, events, etc. for the season as well as what is going on throughout the year.
2. Art Shows – more juried shows for local artists at different levels (professional and student). They felt this gives an artist incentive to continue to improve when they are competing against other artists at their level.
3. Art Clubs – start local art clubs such as camera/photography, plein aire, etc. that meet on a regular basis for support, lectures, etc.
4. Workshops – on a regular basis with well-known instructors.
5. Open Studio – open the art classroom specific days per week for specific period of time where artists can drop in to paint, quilt, knit (whatever their medium), etc. as a support group to give and receive advice, social aspect, etc. There will be a small fee to attend each session to cover the cost of utilities. Two of the artists have volunteered to head this up and implement as soon as possible.
6. Trips to art museums, plein aire painting excursions and art leagues.
7. Include other mediums such as fiber, glass, wood and pottery in exhibits, art clubs, etc.
8. Social Networking – improve website so it’s more informative and interactive; Facebook; one of the artists (who is also a board member) has offered to start a Blog. I mentioned that our web designer has been a volunteer who worked on our website in his spare time.
9. Volunteering – I took the opportunity to make it known that we are a limited staff and I will gladly accept any assistance to work on the suggestions." ~Jean Donaldson
We are open to suggestions. Please feel free to comment below.
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