From BOWLING GREEN ARTS COUNCIL
The Bowling Green Arts Council (BGAC) has announced announce the second season of Community Supported Art (CSA) and has begun selling member shares to this innovative program.
Artists selected from the BGAC membership will receive a commission to create “shares” of original art for the program. Interested consumers/collectors will purchase a share from the BGAC and in return receive “farm boxes” of locally produced artwork at two pick up events this summer.
“Last year’s CSA project was a success, and we are looking forward to introducing six new artists this year,” said Robin Gerrow of the BGAC. “It’s a great way to support local art, and everyone enjoyed the pick-up events which also featured performances from area musicians and actors. The program gives those who appreciate local art the opportunity to discover the depth of talent we have in our town.”
“I enjoyed the CSA opportunity so much,” said Ellen Fure Smith, a 2023 CSA artist and owner of Little Bare Furniture. “The Arts Council made my experience easy and energizing. And meeting new people at the pick-up events and getting to know other artists working in our community was awesome.”
Based on a model and toolkit from Springboard for the Arts in Minnesota, the CSA opportunity will be open to visual artists, musicians, performing artists, and writers, and participants will be chosen by a selection committee. Featured works could include items such as: an edition of vinyl 7” record, a run of screen-prints, a series of small teacups, a run of photographs, tickets to an upcoming performance or event, letterpress editions of a poem or short story, or small original paintings.
“My family really enjoyed our CSA share last year and we absolutely intend to join again this year,” said Ryan Phipps. “This is such a cool way to support local artists. Thank you to everyone involved!”
Again, this year, 25 shares will be available for purchase by the general public and the two pick-up evenings will be events in themselves. Member shares cost $275 for the season and can be purchased on the BGAC website .
The goals of the CSA program are to give artists exposure and to create an engaged community of local arts supporters. CSA supports artists in the creation of new work and in establishing relationships with local collectors and patrons, all within an exciting new model of art distribution. Shareholder benefits include multiple works of art from local emerging and mid-career artists, the opportunity to develop relationships with local artists and the art community, and the chance to discover new artists and explore a variety of disciplines represented in the local arts community.
More details about the CSA, and artist application information, are available at bgartscouncil.com .
The BGAC is a volunteer organization working with local artists, arts organizations, and arts supporters to provide inspiration, enjoyment, and learning opportunities in the Bowling Green community.
