A change of pace this week – just want to introduce an idea which intersects with Arts, Civic, and Business interests, and which is ideal for Angola and Steuben County at large: Phantom Galleries.
Visualize some vacant storefronts (not hard to do): gaping black sores in the downtown cityscape, declining values, public aversion, downward spiral … But wait! That window, what is that in there today? Is that … could it be … ? Yes! There are paintings supported by easels … and whoa! Focused lighting at twilight, must be a timer-switch. How very cool, utter simplicity at practically no cost. And spectators at that storefront over there … looks like they drove from Ft Wayne to see our now-famous Phantom Galleries! A pity though, the building cattycorner, used to be a Phantom Gallery, but now it’s a pizza parlor. And asking rents on the surrounding vacancies seem to be going up … yet there are more new businesses nonetheless, and more customers for everyone. Still, I hope we can always have at least some (if only temporary and shifting) Phantom Galleries downtown ...
This fantasy has morphed into clear reality throughout various cities and towns, and could easily become a defining characteristic of Angola and other Steuben towns. I ran across the notion in April while researching economic renewal and the arts, mentioned it to several people … and finally, Bingo - Diana Killian! Diana gets it, and has since launched a veritable crusade for the arts on West Maumee, where her Three Sisters business stands along with Cahoots, the Creative Arts Gallery, the Copper Tree Fine Art and Craft Gallery, and Sticks and Stones, amidst various other now-empty windows earnestly yearning to become Phantom Galleries. Her enthusiasm is awesome, and I wish her every success, as her success will be a win for all of us.
That said, let’s all remember that no one person owns the Phantom Gallery idea: anyone who can find someone with an empty window and someone else with art to show can [and should!] have a Phantom Gallery. This is an idea that all of Steuben County can have ownership in, and its fruition might indeed distinguish our county as profoundly unique and creative, to the benefit of all.
Until the next post, know that the Angola area lakes region is an Art Region, and its towns are Art Towns!
Stephen Rowe currently serves as the Angola Regional Artists’ Guild publicity chairman and writes two additional blogs:
Stephen welcomes correspondence of all sort per StephenRowe.OriGraphics@yahoo.com
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