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Written by Mike Burnside
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Thursday, 02 December 2010 16:38 |
 With its grand opening and ribbon cutting held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, 2009, The Arts SEEN Gallery on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre is about to conclude its first year of existence. As I said in an issue of IndependentNEPA magazine shortly thereafter, “Galleries in empty store fronts and other such buildings are not new– there are great examples all over the world. Now that success is evident right here at home. So when someone tells you that something won’t work in Wilkes-Barre, just disagree politely and move on. That’s old news.”
I was going out on a limb, a bit, for the gallery had only been open a few weeks and had yet to prove itself. Indeed, the year was not without its complications. Rob Finlay, of Humford Equities, who was not making any money having a co-op art gallery in one of his prime properties did, in fact, find a tenant for our space. You know it today as Euro Café.
“But,” he said, “You can have the old branch bank building right next door.”
Kathleen Godwin, head of Arts YOUniverse and partner in the venture with the Cultural Council of Luzerne County, and I took a look. Our first impression was to wonder how on Earth we were going to turn a branch bank into an art gallery. But, Kathleen is not easily daunted, and she soon had me convinced. We moved every piece of art in one rainy day, and shortly thereafter, our 55 artists came in and rehung their work.
As the gallery celebrates its first year, we are on track for an annual rate of sales of just about $12,000, of which the artists, who pay a flat fee of $20 per month for their space, keep every penny. Do you know what most artists do with the money when they sell something? Maybe they treat themselves to something to celebrate the sale or pay off a bill or two, then they go right out and buy more paint or canvas or frames or prints. The point is that nearly every dollar goes back into the economy, and it cycles around a few times and generates about $16 in economic activity.
But the real reason to celebrate is the fact that Wilkes-Barre has an art gallery in the heart of the city. It’s up to you to help us keep it there! Stop in some day and have a look around. Chat with whoever is “minding the store.” Tell your friends. And, since I can guarantee you will be amazed at the collection of one-of-a-kind items–– there is far more than just paintings and photographs–– you’re sure to find something just right as a Christmas present for someone special–– giving everybody a reason to celebrate!
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