|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Press-Journal Photo/ Debra Schell
Artistic vision
Middletown’s ‘walkable’ streets, character, attractive to art lovers
by Nina Balogh
Press And Journal Staff
: 11/18/2009
Middletown is one of the oldest communities in Dauphin County.
It is a walking community, and that makes it attractive to artists, said Stefan Klosowski, executive director of the Greater
Middletown Economic Development Corp., which has been trying to develop Middletown’s artistic community.
Walking communities give artists the stimulation they need to get their creative juices flowing, he said. With its small streets and Victorian architecture, Middletown provides a perfect conception point for the arts to grow, he said.
Klosowski and two artists, Christine Goldbeck, owner of Arts on Union, and Shari Brandt, director of the Middletown Area Arts Collective,have been working together to provide more opportunities for artists to come to Middletown and attend activities that may commercialize their work.
“The proximity to bigger art markets such as Philly, New York and Harrisburg also make Middletown a perfect area for the arts,” said Goldbeck.
“Gaining a critical mass is the first step”, said Klosowski.
Gaining a group of people who are all interested in the arts; who can see one another’s artwork leads to more artists opening themselves up to the public and also to more events, he said.
“There is a lot of talent here, there is great art made and brought in to the town” said Goldbeck.
More people getting involved in the arts, creates more of an opportunity for the arts to take off, said Klosowski. More opportunity leads to even more people coming to the area and establishing themselves as artists. This will make Middletown a place for tourists, he said.
The walkable streets are perfect for cafes, shops and restaurants to take off, bringing business to the town as well as publicity, Klosowski said.
It’s about building a foundation for growth, he said, and it can begin with something as simple as a restaurant, or a coffee shop.
Cafés give musicians a place to play their music. It also creates a space where artists can display their work. For visitors, it’s a place to stop, sit, talk, listen, and view artists and their work.
“The hardest part is getting the locals,” said Goldbeck. “There is a perception about art; that it’s highbrow and that’s something we need to change. People need to break out of the box and take a look.”
All community members, of course, will not welcome this. Klosowski said. Traffic may become heavy.
Streets and neighborhoods crowded. The “little town” atmosphere may not be preserved the way some individuals feel that it should be.
“There are always a group of people who do not want change, but change is imminent, change is growth,” says Klosowski.
Nina Balogh: khb001@lvc.edu
Print this story
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
