ADVOCACY

November 17, 2004

Guest Viewpoint: Arts thrive despite constraints
By Miriam A. Jordan  

As the community art scene shifts gears into the fall and winter, I want to applaud all the volunteers, gallery and business owners, sponsors, arts organizations and donors who have contributed to community arts so far in 2004.
As a community volunteer, I know first-hand the amount of time and energy it takes to sustain meaningful art venues - the First Friday Art Walk, Art Fest, Art and the Vineyard, Third Friday Art Talk and the Eugene Mayor's Art Show, to name a few. I know the challenges of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in promoting the arts and honoring artists.

I am concerned that perhaps not enough recognition or support is given to our artists, arts organizations and local galleries. These jewels continue to shine - in the face of uncertainty - with exhibits of the highest caliber. Private galleries that have been in business for at least five years are familiar with this tenuous market and should be supported. I mourn the loss of galleries and would not like to lose any more.

I have seen people rise to the challenge in spite of financial constraints - all for the love of the "arts and the outdoors." However, this positive energy cannot be sustained without the support of the whole community. Through my volunteer work of six years, I have had the honor and pleasure of meeting many gifted artists and arts advocates and am in awe of the talent that is around us.

Recognition of our local artists should be ongoing. We have aspiring artists and art leaders, many of whom are receiving instruction from institutions of higher learning and are wanting to contribute but cannot afford to be undervalued. It would be a shame to see them move to other markets, taking their talents with them.
Much of the work for the arts is being done by volunteers, many of whom would rather be making a living in this limited market. We are fortunate to have them.

The Eugene Mayor's Art Show planning committee is receptive to ideas and suggestions for a more succinct show and is considering recommendations for improvement - from the selection of jurors to the presentation of awards.
Jacobs Gallery director Tina Rinaldi spoke at a recent Third Friday Art Talk on the current process.
Although the city of Eugene provides space in the Hult Center for the Jacobs Gallery, the city does not provide funding, nor does the Lane Arts Council. Again, volunteers and donors helped make the Jacobs Gallery the best gallery in Eugene in 2004.

There is more good news. Our community has new leaders who believe that what is good for the arts is good for the community and who work on projects in the spirit of collaboration, cooperation and a shared vision. I appreciate Cultural Services Director Robb Hankins' comments about being bigger and better, and that it's "all about the arts and the outdoors." Andrew Toney, executive director of the Lane Arts Council, is making connections and partnering with other arts organizations on various projects.

Partnerships will continue to grow when the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon opens to the community on Jan. 23, 2005. Museum director David Turner has been presenting this same vision, reflected in its educational programs, at community meetings throughout the year.

It would be rejuvenating for local businesses and individuals to contribute to the health of the visual arts by commissioning art projects by local artists, investing in joint ventures and sponsoring art exhibitions. It would be nice to exhibit art at local businesses and empty storefronts. Business and property owners would have to be willing to open their sites to the arts that would enhance the look of their blank windows. That is an idea community leaders can investigate.

Our arts festivals have the potential to make Eugene a regular travel destination for arts enthusiasts worldwide. With continual support and visionary leadership, we can nurture and maintain partnerships with all the cultural centers in our area from Lane Community College, to the University of Oregon, to the riverfront, to downtown Eugene and beyond, creating a cultural circle. Together, we have the potential to sustain a healthy, vibrant and beautiful community, through investment in our local visual arts. There is much to look forward to in the coming year.
Miriam Alexis Jordan is a member of the Lane Arts Council board and chair of the JacobsGallery Steering Committee. She is also executive assistant and rental program manager for the JordanSchnitzerMuseum of Art at the University of Oregon.