Artists unite to share ideas, draw visitors: Missouri's Provenance Project is working to foster an artistic community and create a destination for art enthusiasts and buyers - strategy

Art Business News, March, 2002 by Nina Elder

But this isn't your typical group of artists. "We're not an exclusionary organization," said Ayers. "You don't have to jury into the guild." This open attitude provides diversity for both artists and visitors. For example, along the 50-mile stretch you'll find everything from potters and pewtersmiths to sculptors and stained-glass artists. Ayers believes that this diversity will help the area appeal to a wide range of visitors and encourage weekend travelers to make repeat visits to see what's new. For example, Stoeckley says that plans are in the works to convert a four-story building in downtown Louisiana into an artists' cooperative. The group hopes to attract three artists to the area who will use the top three floors for studio space and the ground level as a shared gallery. "We envision it to be an incubator for a number of artists," said Stoeckley.

The three communities are also more than willing to help artists out. Part of that comes from their natural Midwestern kindness, but folks in the communities also realize that an influx of artists will help everyone. "When visitors come to see the artists, they help the economy of each community by spending money on food, lodging, gas and by stopping by other merchants," said Stoeckley. In 2000, more than two million tourists visited Northeast Missouri, many of whom came to the area around Hannibal. A large artists' community could make the area an even bigger tourist draw.

Ayers said that the key to continued success is sticking to the two basic concepts on which the program was founded: joint promotion and artist recruitment. The promotion side of the equation will get a shot in the arm when a six-panel, four-color brochure is completed this spring. The brochure, which was partially funded with a grant from the Missouri Department of Tourism, will list all the artists.

As far as recruitment goes, satisfied artists are a pretty good advertisement. "Right now I'm looking out the window of my shop at six bald eagles," said Russell. "It's pretty darn idyllic."

For more information about The Provenance Project, call 800-525-6632 or visit www.provenanceproject.org