The term "starving artists" paints a picture of creators struggling for their art -- an all too accurate portrait in today's sluggish economy.
Art galleries, festivals, centers and independent artists around the country have felt the pinch.
The tri-state art community, however, appears to be one that has experienced mixed success in this trend, as area artists continue to create, display and sell their work through these outlets.
Galleries
Despite the economic downturn, Dubuque's avant-garde gallery Voices from the Warehouse, which caters to unique installation pieces and live entertainment, has enjoyed success -- even after tightening its entertainment budget and facing competition in a saturated events market.
"One of the benefits we have is that we are really the only large installation space of its kind in the area," said administrative director Paula Neuhaus, who added that attendance at the gallery's opening reception thrived, in addition to grant money and donations.
The timing couldn't have been
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| Editor's note: In our last installment of the Arts and the economy series, we looked at how the economic situation has impacted local theater. In this final installment, we'll explore the effect the economy has had on local art galleries, art festivals and art centers. |
Festivals
One artistic area that has felt a harsh brush during the economic downturn has been festivals -- notably the area's first of the summer, Dubuquefest.
Director Aaron Hefel credited unseasonably cool weather as being a probable factor, but admitted the previous two years had seen fewer participants and patrons than in the festival's past.
He is hesitant to attribute that to the current economic conditions, despite the economy's effects of minimizing -- even closing altogether -- once thriving art festivals.
"I don't want to say that the economy has hurt our event," Hefel said. "Even if people are upset or have less money, they still want to get out. They need something to forget, and I think that's something the downtown festivals provide. I think the weather was a really big factor for a lot of events this summer. People just aren't as keen to be outside and with a cold beer when it's freezing."
Art sales in addition to beer vendor sales were reportedly lower.
Hefel said Dubuquefest's focus -- attempting to cater to more fine arts vendors than craft vendors -- also has contributed to the festival's smaller size, though it has a history of catering to both.
"We're trying to diversify the festival," Hefel said. "We want to make it more of a fine arts fair because we're of the belief that there is a place for that kind of work, though it does limit the type and amount of vendors."
Centers
The Dubuque Art Center and its specialty store featuring local and national artwork, Matter, opened its doors in October 2008 -- just as the economic roller coaster began plunging downward.
Despite this, both have performed well in a tight market.
"It's kind of interesting -- we started our business just as a lot of these issues with the economy started happening," said owner Jordan DeGree. "Every time you'd turn on the news, you'd hear that it was a crazy time to try and start a new business. There was some nervousness, but I thought if we can start during a recession and make it through despite the economic downturn, that says a lot about the future of this company."
The Dubuque Art Center has continued to see an increase in class registration, has received funding through local and state grants and has been able to jump-start free after-school activities at Prescott, Fulton and Lincoln elementary schools. It also offers a free youth mentoring program and a free video production class for high school students.
"We've been really lucky to get a lot of support from local businesses and volunteers," DeGree said. "It's great. In these times, art is a basic human need and an expression for thoughts, feelings and emotions when finances are tight. It can be a crucial thing to find an outlet and to find that hope and joy are still available."
Shake Rag Alley, in Mineral Point, Wis., has seen better times.
"A lot of people really wanted to participate this year in various classes, but just couldn't afford to with the economic situation being what it was," said director Sandy Scott. "And that's understandable. People have been more careful about how they are spending their money. They want to hang on to it."
But as with the Dubuque Art Center, Scott said Shake Rag Alley has benefited from individual donations, allowing money for scholarships for patrons wanting to enroll in classes, and volunteers stepping up.
"It's fascinating," she said. "We have a community that loves Shake Rag Alley, so they will not allow it to fail."
