Art in Vacant Storefronts: Exploring the Possibilites for Artists and the Business Community

Sapphire Solitaire  20x20 Acrylic © Sandi Whetzel

Great exposure to my art at no cost to me, the artist!  What"s not to like?  I was excited to be invited to display my contemporary art in a local vacant storefront at 465 Jackson Street, Roseburg, OR from June 28 through August, 2010.  That street gets a good amount of traffic because it is located near the county courthouse, library, city offices, post office, a bank and other thriving businesses downtown.  As a bonus, it gets lots of exposure during Roseburg's annual Graffiti Weekend which occurs during that time frame.

The Art Windows Exhibit Project is a relatively new idea to Roseburg.  This project mirrors the efforts of other cities across the nation to activate lifeless, empty buildings with the energy of lively, attractive art.  The art changes every two months and engages the citizens and city visitors who view it.  The addition of the art  enlivens and improves the street scape, with an eye pleasing alternative to the bleak emptiness of vacant storefronts, a result of the economic downturn. Too many empty stores for an extended period seems to send a negative message to the whole business district.  Perception is powerful.  Transforming vacant storefronts into free exhibition spaces for artists enables the property owners to present their spaces more attractively and may even be a means of attracting people to take a look at the space for a business venture. Adding art to empty spaces brings art to people who might not otherwise be exposed to art, thereby expanding the art community. It seems to be a win-win for the artist, the art community and the storefront owners, as well as enhancing the view for the remaining businesses operating in the area.

I would encourage other artists to look into this type of project in their local area.  These alternative art display spaces give artists unique opportunities to showcase their creativity in free exhibition spaces, garner public recognition for their work and generate sales. Some things that the artist should consider are inspecting the proposed areas to make sure they get good traffic and lighting and make sure the building and neighboring buildings appear to look respectable and not run-down or unkempt. As with all art display venues, you have to decide if you would be proud to have your work displayed  in any particular venue.  You don't want the venue to devalue your art. Take a look at the security issues involved and how they will be addressed.  I feel  good about the location I was given for my art.  Hearing comments like, "I see your art everywhere," is good and raises your creditability as an artist.

I just wish I had thought about asking the project manager to make my space and the other art spaces available to be open to the public for a pre-determined special day event; a one day open-studio type event or art walk at the respective storefronts.  The artists could agree to host their space for a special one day event at which the public would have a chance to meet the artist, see them in the act of creating and get to know the artist.  The publicized event would attract more traffic downtown and give visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the artist and the art.

This kind of art walk event would present security issues for the building owners and the artists because the buildings would be unlocked for that event. Even so, I think these issues could be addressed easily if such events were scheduled on regular business days.  As an artist, I face some of those same security issues in other public display venues. Yet, having to be responsible for the building itself and liability issues that could arise from that is a little scarier for the artist.  Perhaps the realty agents and/or storefront owners could consider it to be an open house day for exposure of the properties to prospective business owners.  Something to explore, I think.  Such events would bring more traffic and exposure to storefront spaces and the existing businesses in the area on those days; a plus for all the businesses in the downtown area. It would give the artists a chance to get direct feedback from those who admire their art.  We artists thrive on opportunities to interact with our viewers.

I hope this project continues in the Roseburg area for as long as there continues to be a need for it.  Artists interested in participating can contact Virginia Elandt, Planning Intern at the Community Development Department of the city of Roseburg, 541-440-1177 or visit the website by clicking here