I had the pleasure to spend part of my Sunday on the Rock River Artists Studio Tour, and it was a wonderful and uplifting experience in more ways than one.
First, it is always great to meet artists in their studios, see works-in-progress and come into contact with these people as people -- as friends and neighbors who live and work among us. My 4-year-old daughter was with us, and I got a kick out of thinking that over time, she will be exposed to these artists in our community and see that they are real people, doing their work. I don't want to project any future for my daughter, but I do think it's a healthy thing for her to see these people who have pursued their passions and made art their life's work.
The other uplifting aspect was that the artists I saw reported decent crowds and strong sales from this weekend's tour, which encompassed artists living and working in Williamsville, South Newfane and Dover. Many had private fears going in that the economic woes would mean poor sales for them. Those fears, at least for some, appear to have been groundless.
It's hard to speculate why. For some people, I think this is a time to vote wisely with our limited dollars and to invest in our communities and in objects which have a lot of integrity and meaning. It's akin to the Localvore movement among foodies -- people are buying what is made among them, investing in their communities. But a lot of the visitors on the Rock River Artists Studio Tour are from out of state -- in one artist's studio, I glanced at the other entries on the guest book page I had just signed and saw people from Illinois, Florida and Massachusetts (I was the only Vermonter). Perhaps, they're sinking their cash into art; perhaps they're salving some hurt spots within them with art. Perhaps, those who still have money simply like the work being done by area artists and want to collect it. All of the above; none of the above?
Whatever was going on, the weather was perfect, the day was an adventure, the moods were friendly, and the studios were busy. I'll cling to that as good news, no matter what else is going on.