In my evil quest to rule the blog universe, I went to House of Chen Friday night to knock off a few bloggers. Since that's in downtown Allentown, I figured no one would even notice for a few days. By the way, killing bloggers is completely legal in the Queen City so long as you pay the necessary permit fees. Molovinsky on Allentown, Lehigh Valley Somebody, Allentown City Arts, Lehigh Valley Lexicon and Seventh Street Now were actually all going to be in the same place at the same time, a serious security lapse.Imagine all the room I could free up on my blogroll!
The person I really wanted to nail was Michael ("Can't we all just get along?") Donovan, the Inclusion blogger and Allentown city councilman who says outrageous things like "Stay in touch, smile, be civil." Unfortunately, when Donovan saw me coming, he hightailed it out of there, telling the waitress I'd be picking up his tab. (He must have learned that trick from Mayor Ed).
Why was everyone at House of Chen? Actually, the whole thing was planned by Mrs. Dottie, and this get-together attracted around thirty artists, writers and local businessmen. From beginning to end, I enjoyed wonderful conversation and great Asian cuisine with people I'd be unlikely to see in the political world. I also got to catch up with Rosemary Gesek, who was my sister's best friend in high school. You can view some of her work by clicking on the gallery here.
Can art help rescue a rough place like downtown Allentown? These artists think so, Alfonso Todd will have a community arts festival between 6th and 7th Sts. in July and is looking for artists. It is guerrilla art, in which artists simply set up shop and work away. People who see this type of art naturally slow down, talk and relax. It may make communities just a little safer.
Dottie has a few pictures from Friday night. Sarina "was really happy to see so many people and find out that there are painters, writers, musicians, graphic designers, etc. living quietly and working diligently in the Allentown area." Joe Skrapits claimed it "was inspiring to meet and listen to so many intelligent, creative people ... ."
Fortunately, neither Sarina nor Joe met me. I was busily stuffing eggrolls and lo mein in my pockets as Skrapits spoke. When Molovinsky caught me, I told him I've become a sculptor.
28 comments:
Thanks BernO, it was great seeing you and your cute grandson on Fri night. I am hoping that if the artists/bloggers/citizens take the lead and set realistic goals which can be accomplished, then we can actually DO something to improve our city, not just talk about it.
Somthing like that (1)could really help merchants that Pawlowski and LANTA tried to displace (2) make A-town just a bit safer and (3) make it just a little easier to deal with all the nastiness.
I just hope the city stops sending its code enforcement goons out to stop everything - from yard sales to sidewalk art - that it does not officially sanction.
That was a really fun (and delectable) coupla hours at House of Chen on Friday evening. It's great meeting nice new people. And I'm sure that gathering will yield some cool art scene happenings in the near future, stay tuned ...
Bernie,
The sad truth is that generally people will pay lip service to the arts rather than invest time or treasure in them. The best a distressed municipality like Allentown can expect to gain from the Arts is a few grants and press stories. The grants may afford the opportunity to fund a few new patronage positions and the articles can add filler to the inside sections of the paper but little else is accomplished. Conversely good government could save Allentown; unfortunately we are so far removed from that now that the situation does seem hopeless.
I say enjoy the Arts as they add meaning and depth to life and understanding, they can not however save our city.
Scott Armstrong
it may sound like heresay to mention this just after the iron pigs season has started, but the truth is that the arts have a much, much higher multiplier for generating business in a community as do sports . . . which over time tend to be a net drain on economic development and vitality.
think about it; if winning sports teams were really an economic boon . . . then Oakland and South Bronx would be urban revitalization Meccas. sadly, they are not.
so at this point the arts are probably the ONLY thing which can help rescue the downtown. the arts strategy certainly has working in Philadelphia.
Consigliere, I don't view it as a panacea, but think it can help. Art shows at struggling restaurants (instead of the usual Pawlowski favorites) and street art in areas associated with high crime could do no harm, and might actually help.
" ... sports . . . which over time tend to be a net drain on economic development and vitality."
Good observation.
Scott and anon 2:04,
I oppose the public funding of private enterprise except when it comes to arts or sports, which bring us together and improve our quality of life.
Now with that stadium in action, the kids have a new found interest in baseball. I see pick up games occurring a lot more frequently than over the past two years. You can't put a dollar symbol on that or quantify it. But in the long run, if that interest continues, it means less crime and better education.
Philly's sports complex did nothing for its crime rate that I can see. But the LV is different. I may be mistaken, but sense that everyone is just a little proud of this. Now if only the team can win a few.
The truth is that neither sports nor the Arts or a combination of the two will save or restore Allentown unless and until we get decent leadership from city hall. Does anyone see that coming any time soon?
Those who fixate on adding something to the downtown such as, new buildings, new homes, Art events/venues, sports, breweries, restaurants…as a remedy for the distressed condition miss the point that the downtown is distressed because the city has been poorly managed for eight straight years. Can any entity be expected to improve under similar circumstances? Is it reasonable or sensible to expect Allentown to improve merely by adding venues and buildings without addressing the problem of chronic managerial incompetence?
Scott Armstrong
Hello Bernie:
I was there for a little while, but needed to leave because my wife was home sick. Glad to meet your boy and shake hands. Would never feel a need to escape with you around.
The contribution of the arts to a community is a much debated topic, especialy since the publication of Richard Florida's books on the creative class. Many point to artists as important saviors of urban centers. Sometimes the enthusiasm goes a bit overboard, and artists are seen as the only saviors. Worldwide, this has translated to lots of studies, conferences, and programs to promote the arts as an economic development tool.
My read of Florida's book is broader in that I believe that creativity cuts across many topics and disciplines, not just the artistic community. Therefore, from an economic perspective, what I look for is an integrative effort among parties to contribute to innovative product design and creativity throughout the community. The arts contribute to an environment of acceptance, experimentation, multidisciplinary thinking, and fun. There are economic transactions that occur, certainly, as people visit museums or purchase works of art. However, arts are also important because they are part of the equation for producing innovative ideas, products, and services.
Then, from the community perspective, the arts forge a sense of belonging. We share in the beauty of the arts and revel in the emotions that they provoke. We learn from each other as people with different skills and perspective visualize the world in their own way. We find ourselves willing to step away from the impersonal characteristics of our world and consider something deeper and more meaningful.
Therefore, I am glad that this small group took the initiative to meet and explore ideas. I'm sorry that I could not stay. I welcome the creativity that comes forth and hope that others in Allentown will do the same.
Best regards,
Michael Donovan
Scott Strongarm (er, I mean Armstrong :) a revved-up arts scene in Allentown will benefit everyone who chooses to participate and it won't matter who the mayor is because we don't need a mayor to rev ourselves up. Or grants. Or press. So get ready to have some fun and to acquire (via purchase) some very cool locally produced art. I know for a fact that some of the new local art in pre-production will be making political statements that are exactly in line with your anti viewpoints. You should buy these pieces ...
"Philly's sports complex did nothing for its crime rate that I can see."
That's because the Philly fans are the are the ones committing the crimes!
bill, let me add my two cents, first off, let me announce that scott armstrong himself is a "fine artist", i have seen his work and it's excellent. secondly, although i agree with him about allentown's current lack of leadership, i disagree about how long this condition has been occurring, i would go back at least two terms before him. it has been a long way and time to get as far down as we are. it's too bad that even art has been politicized in allentown by both parties. i heard comments friday about the administration being art friendly, is that because he gave the schoen building to his favorite builder to build lofts apartments? any art scene has to be created and maintained by the artists themselves, or you end up with institutional silliness like the "art park"
MM, and Scott, I hope you took my ribbing in the good natured manner I intended it, and yes, I am aware of Scott's fine art prowess. But MM's right. Any resurgent arts scene in Allentown must be created and maintained by the artists themselves. A supportive administration would be nice but we shouldn't wait around to become dependent on that .. or .. whine about its M.I.A. status if that happens. I also agree that you have to go back a long ways, maybe to the 1980s, to find both a supportive administration and the kind of open space active hipster loft cooperative collaborative action-painting happening Greg Weaver scene-stealing arts community in Allentown that we are trying to renaissance now. It's time. Personally, I'd like to see an effect similar to what punk rock did to a boring and sedentary music business in the late 1970s-- i.e., give it a much-needed kick in its rear-end to get it going somewhere cool again.
Scott Armstrong,
We need you in our artist's group!
I'm done with art and Allentown isn't far behind.
Scott Armstrong
It always seems that when nothing is left, the Artist/redeveloper get pulled from a hat. Like some Magic show, where flowers start to grow out of thin air. I am a professional artist and tried to contribute, along with my Partner to an Artist Project some years ago in Allentown. The administration gave it token support. They want something signed sealed and delivered and working to take credit for. They think artist are fools and assholes They don't comprehend that incubation is needed . Allentown doesn't have enough positive energy where things grow . There has to be a market, People have to purchase the Art showed. Very often in these modern times, the modern Art Scene is just another way of social climbing and money laundering.
Look at South Bethlehem, that happened without any real government involvement, to my understanding. The general population of Allentown don't have respect for the arts-or any respect for artist. If it did, we would to be having this dialogue. You can't force something to grow where there is not light.
It always seems that when nothing is left, the Artist/redeveloper get pulled from a hat. Like some Magic show, where flowers start to grow out of thin air. I am a professional artist and tried to contribute, along with my Partner to an Artist Project some years ago in Allentown. The administration gave it token support. They want something signed sealed and delivered and working to take credit for. They think artist are fools and assholes They don't comprehend that incubation is needed . Allentown doesn't have enough positive energy where things grow . There has to be a market, People have to purchase the Art showed. Very often in these modern times, the modern Art Scene is just another way of social climbing and money laundering.
Look at South Bethlehem, Allentown's step sister, that happened without any real government involvement, to my understanding. The general population of Allentown don't have respect for the arts-or any respect for artist. If it did, we would to be having this dialogue. You can't force something to grow where there is not light.
Jake,
Allentown is a good place for artist because of its location. New York and Philadelphia are only hours away. This city may serve as a venue to showcase one’s artistic achievements to friends and acquaintances. One may even use area restaurants as a place to hang art works. It is however not an area where one can reasonably expect to find sustainable sales, for that you go to the big city.
It is unlikely that Allentown will ever be able to supply the population needed to support the arts on a scale that would be adequate to the average artists needs. That does not mean it can’t be a Mecca for artists. This city could be a magnet for artists because of its location and housing stock. A vibrant artist community could exist here. To bring this about however I would suggest that rather than putting in Artist’s walks and painting murals we clean the city up and put partisanship aside long enough to elect the most capable leaders.
Scott Armstrong
Did you notice that councilman Donovan begins almost everyone of his blogs or comments with "I would have been there (or stayed) but I was teaching or some excuse. Why not just agree with you Bernie that he wanted to get out of there. His perceived "intellectualism" is laughable.
I like Michael, who was there, and who does take an interest. I was just screwing around.
"I'm done with art and Allentown isn't far behind."-Scott Armstrong
Scott, make a statement, or lots of them, with some new pieces. You know this will feel good. And it will also influence some people. Will likely also sell. What's not to like here?
"I was just screwing around."
Bernie, an anonymous source tells us she saw you buying paints and brushes and canvases at Dick Blick Art Store over the weekend, any truth to this? She also said you gave a clerk there the finger explaining that it's your "trademark" ...
Bernie is an Expressionist.
heres a mix of thoughts. the arts could transform allentown but where are all the patrons.the bananna factory wouldnt exist without linny fowler.scott says his art is done,his work ive seen and very good.maybe he needs a rebirth and channel his anger through his work instead of his mouth.many artist thrive in some of the most challenging communities in the world.with the right mix of commitment anything can be achieved. munopco and the scottish rite theater are doing well and their only a block from the bates motel.
I've never had the privilege of seeing Scott's work. But his writing alone convinces me he has the soul of an artist.
I think Dottie is really on to something here, and I love Alfonso Todd's street art concept. Mind you, I have absolutely no artistic ability and no money. I can only appreciate it. But if the art is there for all to see, we might find there is interest in unusual areas.
Scott
I believe in the Power of Believing. Your beliefs and optimism would have a result. I am just not on the same page. We dealt with ignorant and rude so called artist with bad attitudes that turned us off to any further contributions of our well respected skills and talent.
There have been attempts like the Open Space Gallery, a co-op on Hamiltion, that was very pioneering in investing time and money to act as a magnet for the downtown. They struggled to stay open. The Project that my partner and I were involved in left us with such a sour taste in our mouths when we hear the words Art and Allentown used in the same sentences. Many believe that artist time doesn't have value and that we are just playing. We were amazed by the lack of interest of so called Allentown Artist and how critical everyone was but offered no solutions or ideas. No one wanted to do any heavy lifting. We aren't even residents of Allentown or Lehigh County but we took a chance to "give back" but were left with the feeling of foolishness, never again.
I have had a conversation with a pioneer in Allentown gentrification who just sold his home and is moving out of the city. He said that many of the gay folks have lost patience with the downward spiral. He said he is just too tired of the constant worry of Crime, BTW, he is not Gay.
In theory, Allentown can be lots of things but open and inviting and friendly to outsiders, it is not. I recall that Easton took adds out in the Village Voice as a place for artist to relocate. As I recall it wasn't very successful. I had a conversation years ago with someone who moved there and then moved back. So just because you believe that you discovered the Holy Grail, people have different perceptions of opportunity. Allentown is infamous and famous for it's Anti-Semitism, it's Homophobia, Racism , Xenophobia and bitterness. Welcoming it is not.
One serious solution would be to renovate lofts on Hamilton Street and rent them out to Artist for FREE for one the first year- of the 3 year lease. To apply they have to have a body of work, and evidence that they are pursuing a bona fide career in the arts, do national press on the project. Get Allentown mentioned for more then being the home of that Nut case who embarrassed the city on American Idol. When I mention to people outside of this region that I live near Allentown, you would be surprised by the negative image it has.
That would be a serious start.
Jake,
I am very familiar with the "mad to see ya" attitude of some Allentonians. I remember showing my work at a juried show in 1988 at the Allentown Art Museum. They no longer have a juried show for locals. My friend Ro Geseck who teaches at Baum is a mural artist, and the city hired artists from Phil. to do a big mural, without even considering her. Ro does so much for the inner-city kids and makes her living as an artist/teacher. I think the idea of an artist co-op would be the best thing. I remember the Open Space Gallery days. See my blog Lehigh Valley Somebody.
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