Florida painter, Everglades, Marco Island, artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

8/28/09

Artists at the Esplanade, Early Light daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Early Light
5x7, acrylic on canvas
$15o, framed
It was quiet and still when I walked this morning, with the sky full of stars in the early light, a peaceful start to a new day. What will the day bring?

I needed that peace because I'm so very excited, but still holding my breath with fingers crossed, as the possibility of Artists at the Esplanade becomes a reality. The retail spaces at the Esplanade on Marco Island have never been full, and several spaces were vacant with the depressed economy.

By accepting a proposal to allow artists to utilize retail space, the owners are showing innovation, forward thinking and risk-taking. They'll benefit by having a tax break by leasing through the islands non-profit arts agencies , details still in progress, but it still took courage to take the leap.

Artists will bring color, excitement and action to the scene. Spaces will be shared and the requirement is to maintain a working studio, spending at least 30 hours a week on-site and selling only what you produce. One site may be held for a group gallery. Think of it--something rare today-a working artist colony!

If we can keep up the momentum, and not get bogged down with greed, minutia or spoilers, studios will be opening around the first of October. I'll keep you posted!

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