From alley to gallery

When the Creole Gallery owner — andunofficial mayor of Old Town — Robert Busby, was murdered in February2007, the Old Town Community Association wanted to do something to keephis passion for art alive.

“What we wanted to do is havepre-approved art opportunities throughout our entire downtown — littlefun things that local artists could participate in to maintain thetexture and feeling of Old Town,” said Lauren Ciesa, a formerassociation board member.

This vision became Art Spot, an eventthat allows artists to create original murals on the bare walls ofbuildings. A lack of funding kept it from being realized until earlierthis month when the Capital Region Community Foundation provided agrant that will allot $900 for each of three murals.

The murals will be created in an alleynear Turner Street and Grand River Avenue. The pilot locations are theWild Rose Café, Swanson Design and the former Greenfield Collection.

“Those locations are located near theentrances to the alley,” explained Brittney Hoszkiw, executive directorof the Old Town Community Association. “After several years of theprogram, hopefully we will fill the alley with lots of unique piecesfrom different artists — basically turn the alley into an outdoorgallery.

“We’re hoping to have an event like thisannually. Hopefully, people will see the opportunities that Art Spotprovides so we can recruit future funders and install murals in morelocations.”

The association has yet to receive any submissions, but Hoszkiw hopes to see diverse pieces.

“Old Town is, in my opinion, known for its whimsy, so itcould be whimsical rather than historical,” said Mary Swanson,chairwoman of the design committee.

“If they want to wrap around door or window frames, welook on that very favorably. Pretty much anything goes as long as it’sG-rated. It can be cutting-edge.”

The community will help decide which pieces should be chosen Sunday, during the First Sunday Gallery Walk.

“(The Walk) is already a celebration of the arts, so wethought it would be a great time to showcase the submissions and getinput,” Hoszkiw said.

Submissions are being accepted through Friday. For more information, visit www.iloveoldtown.org.