Springfield Regional Arts Council

"Majority Opposes Moving Artsfest"

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Majority opposes moving Artsfest

Published May 19, 2006
By Sony Hocklander
News-Leader

So far, it's three to one against moving Artsfest from Walnut Street to
Jordan Valley Park.
Based on surveys, phone calls and e-mails, most visitors and artists at the
annual festival want to keep it on the historic downtown street, according
to Kay Logsdon, executive director of the Springfield Regional Arts Council.

She told the council's board on Wednesday that some people responding to the
survey wanted to know how such a move would work. Would the activity be
inside the park or along the street?

And what's this about artist booths inside the Jordan Valley Ice Park?

SRAC board members are puzzled over that one: It's never been on the table,
they say. And the other questions? The board is asking them, too, and wants
to know if the public has others.

That's why board members want community and artist input as they explore the
possibility — and they stress it's only a possibility — of a move.

No decision will be made until the board has answers, one reason members
commissioned a professional company to take the community's pulse. Two focus
groups held during the next two months will also help determine how the
festival, or a different art event, might work in the park.

Anna Squires, Artsfest co-chairwoman, said it's not vital to move Artsfest
by next year, only to make the decision soon about whether JVP is right for
its future growth.

Park activities are multiplying, she said, and "we need to make the decision
before the decision is forced."

Board members received copies of anonymous surveys. Statements included
those from advocates of a move who like a park setting or who think JVP
would be more spacious.

Most who reject the move said Artsfest would lose its quaint historic street
ambience and tradition.

Some board members raised their own questions, concerns and ideas.

"What about keeping Artsfest where it is? What about the concept of creating
a truly fine arts festival in Jordan Valley Park? Instead of killing what
people like at Artsfest, develop something new," suggested Carl Price.

Most agreed that Jordan Valley Park is a prime place for art.

"We have this beautiful space next to the Creamery (Arts Center) and we
should use that," said Lisa Blumenstock, Artsfest co-chairwoman.

Community reaction is mixed.

Mary Anne Pontzer doesn't want Artsfest to move because she loves the park.
Artsfest could ruin it, she said: "I want to preserve the park."

Thomas Dwyer, who takes Betsy, his golden retriever, to Artsfest every year,
thinks moving is a terrible idea.

"It's a wonderful park" he said, "but it's devoid of any shade, and I think
people would boil out there — or be exposed to more rain."

Cindy Fulp's family has attended Artsfest since her teenagers were small.
It's a favorite event — but it would be OK with her if it moved to the park.

"It's a great venue for families. And I think that would be great, getting
people's interest and thinking about Jordan Valley Park as a place to do
something. ... The only question I have is the parking."

Some Walnut Street residents would like Artsfest to move.

"Everybody pretty much in my building wishes it would go away," said Todd
Reynolds. "We were trapped the entire weekend. It was like your home has
been invaded by all these people who are tearing up your lawn and
tap-dancing in your driveway."

Resident Ann Nicholas said most neighbors she knows hope it stays.

"I love it. I look forward to it," she said. "It's a street fair, and if it
got moved to Jordan Valley Park, it wouldn't be a street fair anymore. The
fact that it's on historic Walnut Street is what makes it unique."

Gary Blankenship owns Walnut Street Inn, where performances are held. He
can't beat the publicity.

"And personally, I love the enclosed feel of it between the old houses on
Walnut Street," he said.

Plus Walnut Street has had recent improvements, such as new drainage and
additional power sources. He questioned whether JVP has the necessary
infrastructure.

Lance D. Reeves owns Ebbets Field on Walnut Street. Artsfest is good for his
sports bar business.

He questions how it would work in the park with nearby Springfield Cardinals
games: "How do the Cardinals feel about it? In 2008, they will be home on
that first weekend in May. Are they going to lose the parking deck?"

Artists have mixed feelings, too. Photographer Linda Mayes of Republic has
displayed at Artsfest for three years. She wouldn't mind a move — if it
works. But would artists be expected to set up tents on hills? What about
getting artwork to booths? Would artists be placed together?

"It needs to have a flow where they are all connected. Now it flows because
it's all down the street."

Local glass artist Terry Bloodworth, who displays at Artsfest, thinks moving
is a bad idea. Not that he objects to art in the new park.

"I would love to see Jordan Valley Park create a new show, perhaps at a
different time of the year, and perhaps be a smaller show. Maybe a best of
the best show," he said. "I would like to see us build something from the
ground up, rather than adapt an existing event."