West Shore Art Fair

[Wonder Woman]

Did anyone attend the craft show this past weekend at city park?  The number of vendors was way down.  About 1/2 of the park was empty!  I look forward to the craft show every year, but this year it was a huge disappointment.  I didn't even buy anything! 

[Dave]

This story from the Mason County Press sheds light on why things were different this year:

http://www.masoncountypress.com/2013/07/08/art-fair-was-in-transiti...

[Willy]

Not trying to be critical but the lack of success in my opinion was due to the "snobbish" attitude of the LAAC in restricting the vendors to what they define as "fine art". People used to go because of the art and "crafts". I loved all of the variety that was available at the old venue. Ludingtons arts and crafts show was so popular that they had to turn vendors away. I knew from the first time I heard the change was going to be made that they were only going to appeal to a smaller group of buyers. Ludington is not a "fine arts town". Ludington is a working persons town. The LAAC must change their attitude if they want this show to stay popular.

[XLFD]

Didn't you read the article, Willy?  Jarvis (no first name given) said the event exceeded expectations, and that they should get glowing reviews once again from Sunshine Artist Magazine. 

You and I can pan it all we want, and our interest may wane, but Sunshine Artist's art show critic is the only person we need to please.  If the City Council passes the Historic District Ordinance tonight, snobbery is going to be in season and in force around Ludington. 

[Dave]

You'd hope that they would rather please the consumers and not the organizers... at the end of the day, if no one shows up to buy or even look at the art then it kind of defeats the purpose of the event all together. Why they would want to change so drastically the event is inexplicable to me... it had been a successful event from what i've read for several years, bringing in plenty of money for those that had booths. Why chance something that is apparently working quite well?

[XLFD]

There has been a concerted effort in the background to get Ludington to be recognized as a bona fide fine arts town by attracting artists and changing our image to reflect a culture we have traditionally not possessed.  This has been very subtle up to now, but it is a direction that many of our appointed public officials want to explore.  I doubt whether it is sustainable, to borrow a 'progressive' codeword.

[easymoney]

you can't have Rodeo Dr. in a meat and potato town

[Willy]

Exactly the point X. They're trying to please a specific group of people, the people they want to please. What kid wants to go to a "fine arts" show?  If this type of venue continues they will lose the "family appeal" aspect of the show. If I want fine art I'll go to a gallery. LAAC has taken the fun out of the popular July 4th show.

[XLFD]

I know that most families in the area cannot afford the extra cash for purchasing "fine arts", some can barely scrape enough to pay for "coarse arts".  But the LACA's hope is to get more people with dollars and influence coming up to look at the fair, and so it is a bit of a gamble that may alienate some of the locals looking for variety and value.

[Willy]

You may think so but I have not heard one good word about the change. This is another attempt at a local organization to try and squeeze a one size fits all into a community activity.

[XLFD]

EyE, 

Minor correction, technically the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) is the official organizer of the event now, not their governing body the LAAC. 

As stated on their website, their mission:  "The Ludington Area Center for the Arts was formed to sponsor, promote, and encourage participation in and appreciation of arts and culture for the benefit of everyone who lives in the Ludington area."

If they are trying to appeal to the fine art crowd, they are trying to appeal beyond the borders of the Ludington area.  We have our share of fine art lovers, but probably more lovers of lesser arts, and so the LACA's mission statement seems to have been overlooked. 

The LACA's vision is :  "To foster a community where arts and culture bring us together, feed our spirit, and fuel our growth."  This year's fair seemed to be more exclusive, than inclusive. 

I think the WSAL was a good organization that actually kept to its vision.  I think the LACA is more of a money pit incessantly begging for grants, privileges, and endowments that doesn't follow it's own guidelines.  But that's just my opinion based on what I've seen in various records.  Hopefully, it can turn that image around to the rank and file of our community.

[AQUAMAN]

Unfortunately, Ludington has too many in positions of control and authority that simply don't understand the basics and traditions of the humanities of this community. They think they can drag in all this Big City stuff here, just because they prefer to attract the "hoity-toity" types, and hope the hoy-paloy crowds will gather, spend big money here, and hopefully, build new cottages and homes here. They aint here for all that jazz! They are here for the beach, Lk. Hamlin, the dunes/state park, and boating/fishing. If some country artists wish to sell their arts/crafts, people are there to spend something for that artsy flavor. Like easy said, it's a meat and potatoes type atmosphere that people enjoy, trust, and spend money for. The art league or whomever, is way off course in their new direction. With their noses so high in the air, you can't expect them to see this angle though. Those in power here now, need to study the history and community BEFORE they destroy what started as a great art fair here, or go back to the Motor City and spread their ideas back there where they can work for success.

[XLFD]

These two are offended by your low-brow comment, Aquaman, and they also wanted you to know that by hook or by crook they will remove that Luddite mentality that has affected this area for too long, which has permitted such a minor league art fair in the past, and-- horrors-- has led to the denial of a perfectly charming historic district by a group of totally boorish city commisioners.