Bartlett's Charming Homes, Gardens and Landmarks Subject of New Art Campaign
Bartlett Village President Kevin Wallace has declared 2019 the year of "Bartlett Porch Proud." This proclamation at the Village Trustee's meeting on January 15 recognizes a year-long art project to create pride in the community, home ownership and history of Bartlett, led by Arts in Bartlett, the local nonprofit arts council, in cooperation with the Bartlett Historical Society and the Tri-Village Garden Club.
"Bartlett is a village of hard-working residents who are rightfully proud of their well-maintained homes graced with charming porches and lovely gardens, whose landscape is dotted with historical architecture and landmarks," said Jenny Vogt, project chair and artist in the Artist Gathering networking group that meets monthly at Arts in Bartlett. "During 2019, local and regional artists will be invited to capture these scenes in artwork created during spring, summer, autumn and winter."
Residents and businesses are encouraged to nominate their porch, location, or/and garden as artistic inspiration for artists to photograph and create the works in their studio. Nominations can be sent to BartlettPorchProud@gmail.com with the owners name and street address. In addition, artists will be painting and selling art in the six gardens participating in the Tri-Village Garden Club Garden Walk on July 13.
Currently small "studies" of several of Bartlett's porches, gardens and iconic landmarks are in a display and most are for sale at Arts in Bartlett's Gallery at 215 S. Main. Other plans include juried art exhibits with original art on sale at Arts in Bartlett's gallery at 215 S. Main and the Village Hall 2nd floor art gallery at 228 S. Main. Notecards and tourism postcards to promote the Village will be produced for the Global Arts Festival June 22-23 and Bartlett Heritage Days September 14-15. The public will be invited to vote for their 12 favorite "People's Choice" artworks, which will be reproduced in a 2020 calendar.
Businesses and individuals are encouraged to become supporters with funds to help produce the notecards and postcards, exhibit posters, and cash prizes. Donations of $500 or more will be recognized in signage and credit lines on printed materials. A small traveling exhibit will also be available on request to donor's offices and other community locations.
Arts in Bartlett is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit arts council building community through the arts for the past 16 years, operating an arts center at 215 S. Main Street in downtown Bartlett with a gallery, music and art lessons and special events in its community room. Contact art@artsinbartlett.org; 630 372 4152