Chat with Sheila Wilkins on the local arts community

Sheila Wilkins, owner of Fields Gallery, 712 Mass., and organizer of the Lawrence Downtown Gallery Walk, will chat about the upcoming quarterly gallery walk (Friday, July 28) as well as other issues affecting local artists, including how to generate more interest in local arts, what the arts mean to the community and any other topic of interest to readers.

consumer1

I have a hard time with some of the pieces of “art” that have been displayed in downtown Lawrence. Some of which are hardly more than pieces of metal welded together(sepcifically the yellow structure that used to be between the two court houses, I thought for sure those were just left over catapillar parts from the construction of the new court house. I know some will call me names, for having an opinion, but, isn’t there some way of having a poll done to actually find out what the majority of Lawrencian’s would consider acceptable “art”. It seems unfair and biased to me, that a handful of individuals determine how our city as a whole is represented through their perspectives of the definition of “art”.

justthefacts

Let me first say that I am a great lover of all the arts, and have a creative bent myself. I also realize that the worth of anything is a pretty subjective issue.

That said, my question to you is whether – as an artist AND as a tax payer – you sincerely think that the art work on city property, being paid for by the city, is actually worth the price paid, especially considering the fact that the city is considering raising taxes? Is there some way that private citizens who wish to support such an effort could foot the bill for such things, without shifting the financial burden to the entire general public?

Moderator

Hi, everybody. We’ll get started here in a second. Sheila Wilkins is here with us today. She’s manager of Fields Gallery in downtown Lawrence and also is an organizer with the Lawrence Downtown Gallery Walk. James Schaefer, director of Signs of Life Gallery, also is here.

Moderator

I’m your moderator today. I’m Terry Rombeck, a features writer at the Lawrence Journal-World.

Sheila Wilkins

Hi, I am happy to be here, today.

Moderator

Sheila, first off, please tell us a little bit about the gallery walk – when it is, where it is, its history, etc.

Sheila Wilkins

The Gallery walk came out of rountable discussions in the 90’s.
The focus is now on downtown galleries. On four fridays a year we stay open with special exhibitions, demonstrations and other festivities. It a chance for people to meet the artists, and see new work . It starts at 7:00 and ends at nine, although some of the galleries stay open until ten. Maps are available at each location.

Moderator

In general, what are the goals of the Gallery Walk?

Sheila Wilkins

It is an opportunity for us to showcase individual artissts , create interst in the community in the downtown galleries, and to show our appreciation to supporters. It gives patrons and art lovers a chance to meet with artists directly . I think there is a great diversity among the galleries that reflects the exuberance of the Lawrence arts scene. This evening four nights a year celebrates that.

georgieporgie

Whenever someone in Lawrence talks about the arts they are overwhelmingly talking about VISUAL arts. The fact that performing arts organizations in Lawrence can’t find inexpensive venues is appalling. I think its time the city commission had an Arts advisory board that wasn’t just established to select sculptures for downtown, but consider the needs of artists throughout the city, performers as well as visual. (And I’m not talking about pop bands! The city supports them very well)What do you think about a new arts advisory board with a broader focus?

Sheila Wilkins

IJames Schaefer is here with me and he is on the Lawrence Arts Commission. He can tell you some of the opportunities they provide.
Hi this is James – I am an arts commsioner in Lawrence, and we have monthly meetings open to the public. One of our functions is to solicit and review grant applications from local arts groups to help with community arts events. In the last round of grants we gave money to a local dancer to support a perfomance of his in Lawrence. With public input, I think the Arts Commission can respond to a wide range of needs in the arts community.

clarkcoan

1)I’m glad the Spencer Museum of Art recently purchased the painting of Topeka native Aaron Douglas. Should the museum focus more on Kansas artists?

2) I’ve heard complaints that the Lawrence Arts Center focuses too much on children and not enough on Lawrence artists. Do you agree with this assessment?

Sheila Wilkins

I’m not specifically aware of what the mission of the Spencer Museum is regarding Area artists. i do know that I see local artists work on display ther regularly. Part of the Arts Center’s Mission is to serve the needs of children. I know they continue to evaluate how to better serve the needs of Lawrence artists. There isn’t enough space to exhibit all of the artist who are deserving of being shown.

Moderator

We have a couple of questions about public art here in town. I’ll summarize the two of those for James to answer. 1. How are the sculptures chosen for the downtown sculpture tour, and how much public input is sought? And 2. Do you think it’s appropriate for tax dollars to support art?

Sheila Wilkins

Hi this is James – to answer the first question, the sculpture is chosen by a juror selected by the arts commission. Public opinion about the sculpture would be welcome at any Arts Commission meeting; schedule of meetings can be found at the city’s website.

Sheila Wilkins

Hi, this is Sheila.I have always been a supporter of tax dollars being spent to support the arts. The entire community benefits from the dollars spent on art programs and projects. It provides the creative energy of the arts community an avenue for expression.

Moderator

One final question for Sheila, since the Gallery Walk is about drawing locals downtown to the galleries: Why should a Lawrence resident purchase art from a local artist?

Sheila Wilkins

Purchasing a piece original art is something you have to experience to appreciate completely. Owning a unique image or form that gives you pleasure or stimulates your emotions or intellect is something worth investing in. We are fortunate to live in such a vibrant artistic environment. Come out for the Gallery Walk and see for yourself.

Moderator

Thanks, Sheila and James, for coming by today and participating in the chat. You can read more about the Lawrence Downtown Gallery Walk, and get the full list of participating galleries, in tomorrow’s Journal-World, and online tomorrow at www.ljworld.com.

Sheila Wilkins

Thanks for asking me . I’d be happy to answer any questions at Field’s Gallery . Sheila
Thank you for the conversation about the arts online! James