While I appreciate careful planning, I also know the value of fast action when an opportunity presents itself. When I presented the idea of Plein Air Easton to Al Bond, the Easton Mainstreet Director in the fall of 2004 ( a few months after we had moved to Easton and became the new owners of the South Street Art Gallery) I knew that if we didn’t act fast another small town would act on the plein air craze that’s sweeping the art nation and we would miss our opportunity. Fortunately, Al had the foresight to see what a boon this would be to the town in the middle of summer, a traditionally slow time for Easton merchants.
We began meeting in December and the first Plein Air Easton festival was launched in July of 2005. In the following years, we tweaked and honed the festival to make it even more successful each succeeding year.. This year, the Avalon, who currently runs Plein Air Easton, looked at the situation, re-invented it and can now boast of an amazing success in the middle of the pandemic. I believe the sales, with only half of the artists, were over half of what they were last year! Their nimble ability to move as the times dictate brought needed funds to the Avalon and to the artists.
To think that all parties need to benefit equally from a bold initiative is naive and shortsighted. Just ask the art galleries. Initially the galleries supported the idea thinking it would bring more buyers to town. That worked for a while, but the recession happened and art buyers so enjoyed spending their art dollars at the festival that they pretty much deserted the galleries. The galleries suffered, the restaurants, shops and hotels prospered. There are always unintended consequences and external factors such as the explosion of commerce on the internet that are also factors. Businesses have to adjust or close. But there is no denying that Plein Air Easton has spread the fame of our little town far and wide ( even internationally) , and the reputation that Easton is enjoying as a sophisticated, art filled town had been much enhanced. That reputation brings new residents and business investors to town.
The idea of an “inner courtyard” as suggested by Bob Greenlee is a wonderful concept. I can see a portable stage for outdoor concerts, permanent awnings to protect from the sun, pedestrian walkways leading from the birdcage to both Goldsborough and Dover Street where the backs of the building become another source of beauty and use, and plentiful greenery and flowers to make it all even more beautiful. With the addition of portable outdoor heaters the courtyard could be used in all but the most inclement weather.
We are living in an exceptional time. Now IS the time to listen to creative ideas. I think Ross Benecasa’s idea was a good one, and others did too or it wouldn’t have met with such initial approval. The first incarnation might need some changing, but I think it far better to learn experientially than to delay, delay, delay until the time for action has passed and we have missed another golden opportunity. People are hungry for safe ways to gather, restaurants need to sell more meals, and meeting this immediate need might lead to a long lasting improvement to our downtown. And it doesn’t have to be perfect from the start!
And for sitting in an empty parking space breathing the fumes of passing cars, who needs it?
Nancy Tankersley
Easton
Bob Greenlee says
I think it was Nike who said, “just do it”!
Elizabeth Tong says
So Bob, do it!
Diane Tinney says
Well put Nancy, I couldn’t agree more!