GOT ART! will appear November 19 through December 31 in the “Art Central” district of downtown Middletown. The best of regional artists are being invited to display their works in the unused store windows along Central Avenue from approximately Baltimore Street to Main Street during the holiday season.
A project of the Middletown Convention and Visitors Bureau, the idea grew out of the periodic meetings of Event/Attraction Managers who gather to share ideas and discuss issues of mutual concern.
With several events already scheduled in the downtown area during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve period, it appeared to be the best time to hold an event that adds value to the downtown experience for those attending performances at Rising Phoenix, the Blue Christmas Concert, Light Up Middletown, other events and holiday parties at downtown venues.
A survey of buildings along Central Avenue showed approximately 57 unused display windows and another 37 that might be available even though businesses were using the store space behind them.
The committee has agreed to seek volunteer/donated materials and labor to clean the store fronts, hang coordinating drapes in each window, hold special events in conjunction with the display and dress up the Art Central area for the holiday season.
The committee is deliberately keeping this first time event small and simple. If the project is as successful as expected, it may well become an annual event in Middletown.
Committee members include: Ann Mort, Chairperson/Executive Director of the Middletown Convention and Visitors Bureau; Peggy Ketron, Judy Bober, Sue Rogers, Linda and Jay Moorman, Dick Mort, Adriane Scherrer, Barb LaPierre, Flo Randall, Betty Selby, Walter Leap, Ginger Smith, David Voyles, Sam Ashworth and Carol Buckner.
Artists and displays included in the GOT ART! project must be pre-approved by the committee.
Walter Leap of Leap Realtors is coordinating permission to use the empty store fronts with the various property owners. He can be reached at 513-425-7010. Coordinating invitations to artists and approval for exhibits are Sue Rogers of Artique 513-422-4435 and Linda Moorman of BeauVerre/Riordan Stained Glass Company 513-425-7312. For general information about the event, contact Ann Mort, Midd. CVB, 513-422-3030.
