7 comments:

• posted at 4:35 am on Sat, Jan 10, 2009.

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  Mr. Roberts. I was happy to read an article about the surge of arts in Lodi, however I would like to mention a Lodi arts organization that has been in existence for over 65 years- the Lodi Community Art Center. This is an organization which promotes the visual arts in the community. The LCAC contributes to student art education with the award of college scholarships each year in conjunction with the Spring Art Show held at Woodbridge Winery. This show has been presented yearly for well over 40 years. (maybe close to 50, I lose count) This art show draws artists from our local area and in surrounding areas - a regional show. The Art Center has a high school art gallery which changes each month featuring the work of different art students in the Lodi area. Classes are offered for children and adults. The LCAC has its own art gallery to showcase the work of members. It is staffed entirely by volunteers. The Art Center is a nonprofit organization which is in need of the recognition and patronage of community members. It is truly a valuable community asset.

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• posted at 4:21 am on Sat, Jan 10, 2009.

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  Art is important to everyone and every community. Art connects us to our humanity, our creative spirit, the human need for a life beyond necessity, something to enhance our lives. Art provides a spark. Tony Segale worked for years gathering support and raising funds from individual businesses to create the Walldogs mursla. The people involved were part of the Walldogs group, professional artists working as a group to paint murals in various U.S. towns. Remember what those buildings looked like before the murals were painted.

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• posted at 3:40 am on Sat, Jan 10, 2009.

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  Peek, as long as it's government funded money, you can guarantee it'll be wasted. That's just the common practice, not only in Lodi, but every city in the US that gets money for the arts. I'm just disappointed that so much of this funding goes for senseless murals rather than art projects in parks and public places for all to enjoy. All those murals downtown were meant for tourist attraction and to do something with those buildings that are falling apart. Murals should be projects shared by all talented Lodi artists, not some transplants from all over the US. I know two young Lodi artists that would've loved to be a part of painting that mural, but they weren't even considered for the "Walldogs project" that brought the same kind of people here that we could've easily provided. Please, no more $48,000 or greater murals unless it's a community project involving local and student artists. How can a small mural cost $48,000? All these so called brilliant council and management people and no one has an answer? Wonder why?

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• posted at 3:26 am on Fri, Jan 9, 2009.

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  Many view spending this much money for art during this economic crisis is foolish and wasteful. I don't know how leaders can talk about layoffs and furloughs and in the next breath want money for public art. If someone can barely afford a mortgage, should they go out and redecorate one of their rooms? Of course not because it would be economically foolish. When I hear our leaders talking about spending money we do not have for art, I get a sick feeling in my stomach. It's just a slap in the face to the City employees whose jobs are threatened. Basically, public art is more important than someone's job. It doesn't matter if an employee's family is economically hurt by councils decisions as long as they continue to maintain the perception that all is beautiful by their wonderful leadership. Once this economy stabilizes, the City is fully staffed, and a reserve is built, then spend it art and programs to beautify the city. But that would take some common sense and courage to do something like that, both of which do not exist in our council.

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• posted at 6:52 am on Thu, Jan 8, 2009.

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  Kurt, it's about time some of that arts funding goes to projects like these. I say no more overpriced murals and let these projects go to these same type endeavors that involve local artists in group themes, such as the tile project. I can't figure out for the life of me why local muralist reaped $48,000 for the tiny mural on the eastside. I've been asking local artists how they'd justify spending that much and most say they could be done for around $5000. Please, arts commission, show us the justification for that 48K mural? And will he be granted the other 75K or so to do the second mural in the alley that councilman Johnson so adamantly rejected because of its location? Both murals came in a package deal, about 125K, but thanks to councilman Johnson, he voted for the first one which was approved for 48K and and recommended that the second be brought back to council at a later date for approval, due to the city not knowing if that alley mural was a real good idea. These mural projects need to be a group project with talented Lodians sharing in both the pleasure and the profits

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• posted at 6:35 am on Thu, Jan 8, 2009.

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  Please give me a 48K grant for a mural. I could go and sub it out for 10K and put 38K in my pocket for a nifty profit. Or is this how it works after the facts?

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• posted at 6:33 am on Thu, Jan 8, 2009.

  Posts:

  Kurt, it's about time some of that arts funding goes to projects like these. I say no more overpriced murals and let these projects go to these same type endeavors that involve local artists in group themes, such as the tile project. I can't figure out for the life of me why Mr. Segale reaped $48,000 for the tiny mural on the eastside. I've been asking local artists how they'd justify spending that much and most say they could be done for around $5000. Please, arts commission, show us the justification for that 48K mural? And will he be granted the other 75K or so to do the second mural in the alley that councilman Johnson so adamantly rejected because of its location? Both murals came in a package deal, about 125K, but thanks to councilman Johnson, he voted for the first one which was approved for 48K and and recommended that the second be brought back to council at a later date for approval, due to the city not knowing if that alley mural was a real good idea. These mural projects need to be a group project with talented Lodians sharing in both the pleasure and the profits.

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