The Taubman Museum of Art hosted the 53rd Annual Sidewalk Art Show last weekend, and it was a hot one. If you were one of the adventurous few, you were treated to an amazing array of captivating art, loads of fellowship, good humor, and waves of white tents from Jefferson Street to Williamson Road along Salem and Norfolk Avenues.
Nancy Newhard and Michael Farrar were fortunate to have their assigned spot behind the Market Building, where both artists and patrons sought temporary relief from the bright, early summer sun. The exterior of both tents were covered with beautiful oils, mixed media pieces and watercolors to give passersby a taste of what treasures they would find inside.
Although you can find Michael Farrar teaching art classes at The Studio School, Brambleton Center and the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, he has been known to participate in as many as twelve shows a year in the southeastern states and sometimes up north. Though, with gas prices averaging $4 a gallon this spring, he is cutting back to eight. “Economically, it just doesn’t make sense,” Michael said. “It seems as if the economy is not only keeping some artists from attending shows, but potential buyers away as well.”
And it certainly seemed to be true last weekend. Artists in all directions were not only wilting from the heat, but from the sluggish trickle of art-seekers. “We all wish more people would come out and see art. It costs nothing to look at what is here, and there is a huge variety of types, talents and price points to choose from.” Michael showed us one of his original pieces that he had listed at $45 adjacent to another, larger piece listed at $1,500.
Artists not only have to pay to travel and transport their work, but there is always going to be a fee for the space and most likely a fee for the jury that judges the show. However, for most artists there are no regrets as most recognize the value of not only having an audience to share with and like-minded community fellowship, but the importance of the educational programs at the Taubman supported by their funds.
Nancy Newhard certainly understands the value of good art education programming. She is the Executive Director of the Allegheny Arts and Crafts Center in Clifton Forge, where education is a large part of their center’s mission. For Nancy, taking time from work is difficult with an all-volunteer staff. “I do this because I enjoy it, and I believe in it. It is an opportunity to see other artist’s work and an opportunity to share.” She has dropped her show participation to an average of four shows a year. “I would love to do more but it is just too difficult to juggle it all.”
Karay Wilson fell in love with Michael’s oil painting, “Hanging with the Boys,” and a still life by Nancy titled, “Trans-pear-ant.” His eight year old eyes were wide as he ran across the street to gaze at a purple-hued seascape by Eric Fitzpatrick. A few booths down, he was found running his hands along the neck of a metal stallion sculpted by Dave Wertz. “It’s so hot I am feeling crispy, inside and out,” Karay said after looking at the booths in the parking lot across from the Taubman, where the blacktop absorbed the intense heat. A frozen yogurt from the new Frogurt Shop on Campbell Avenue gave him enough stamina to continue checking it all out, ending with a visit at Nancy Stark’s booth near the railroad tracks. Nancy encouraged him to run his fingers over a glossy train-inspired box painting on board, something every child wants to do but is rarely allowed.
The Taubman Museum’s battalion of volunteers is already hard at work on next year’s 54th Annual Sidewalk Art Show. With the construction of the Market Building complete and new and old vendors installed and operational, the show will have a whole new feel. Plan now to continue your support of our beautiful downtown market place and the artists who provide color and textures to our lives.
For a full listing of upcoming events in the downtown area, visit http://www.downtownroanoke.org/events. Nancy Stark, Nancy Newhard and Michael Farrar all share space at the Signature 9 Gallery at 301 S. Jefferson St. For more information about the Taubman Museum of Art programs and exhibits, visit http://www.taubmanmuseum.org/main.
