EVEN OUR TRASH CANS ART
Welcome to Linden!!
Art is everywhere in Linden, Tennessee, the result of a 2009 summer youth empowerment program that staffed nearly 65 local individuals aged 14-24. Within the larger program, the art department employed 20 young people to create a dozen works of public art. The program, styled after the WPA programs of the thirties and forties, encouraged youth to explore their creativity within a collaborative group problem-solving environment.
Over the course of eight weeks, eleven professional artists were hired to facilitate the creation of public art. The projects encompassed clay, painting, assemblage, glass mosaic, weaving, basketry and environmental sculpture.
Working with a dynamic group of artists—and art mediums—provided youth employees the opportunity to experience art from a range of perspectives, all while developing both their critical thinking and technical art making skills. The byproduct of their efforts is Linden’s Arts & Historic District: one of a series of community based economic development initiatives.
While the Arts District lies at the foundation of a plan to draw business and tourism, it stands as a testimonial to the town’s spirit and life-changing experiences of the youth who helped develop it. As fresh paint replaced long-faded murals and happy imagery stylized the trash cans, the affects rippled through the community in a spirit of renewal. This, while a depression-era economic downturn otherwise gripped the community.
“I think we all learned that with a little help and some support, a few “kids” can make a big difference in a small town,” said 15-year old Traver Duncan.
Indeed, these “kids” have made a difference. This is their story.
Perry County Artisan Co-op
Local artists and artisans have expressed an interest in starting an Artisan Co-op here in Perry County. An Artisan Co-op is a place where artists and artisans gather to show and sell their work, and demonstrate their talents. The downtown Linden Arts and Historic District is the perfect setting. The co-op is made up of artists and artisans who pay a small fee or commission for a membership to help with building overhead. Participants are typically required to work at thebuilding for a set number of days a month to sell goods produced by all the members of the co-op. It is also recommended that a small percentage of the commission from products sold be used to sponsor festivals and events. Websites are also set up for the co-op where the artists and artisans can show and sell their goods, and also keep a calendar of co-op sponsored activities. This e-commerce presence would bring outside revenue to the county and the participating co-op members. There are many advantages to developing an Artisan Co-op in Perry County, including the creation of jobs. These jobs could include new artisans and artists, and a website administrator. The co-op would also bring in revenue to the county because similar co-ops become tourism destination draws. Tivoli Artist Co-op is an example of how this can work for our community. Founded in 1993, Tivoli now has over 25 artists. This co-op has brought new business and tourism to the community. Laurens Artist Co-op has a unique kind of membership for different ages and skill levels. Another great example of a thriving artist co-op can be found in Clarksville. Their Downtown Artist Co-op started back in 2001 with a small group, and has grown to include 27 full member artists, 16 consignment artists, and over 50 loyal patrons. These are just some of the ideas that our talented local artists, artisans, and craftspeople can implement in our own Artist Co-op in Perry County. The model has worked in surrounding areas, and this type of workplace and attraction would not only be a great showplace for local talent but be an asset to our community. VisionPerry will be scheduling a presentation on Ecommerce and Artisan Coops .
If you are interested in becoming part of this movement toward an Artisan Co-op, please contact me at VisionPerry by phone at 589-3031, or by email at info@visionperry.com