Organization

ARMORY ARTS - Fleming: Artists are more involved

Enterprise Group leader says artists getting more involved at Armory Arts Village
By Keith Roberts
Jackson Citizen Patriot
Thursday, January 22, 2009

Artists at the Armory Arts Village are becoming more involved in decision-making at the community, along with the developer, Excel Realty Group, and The Enterprise Group of Jackson, EG President and CEO Scott Fleming told the Midtown Association on Wednesday.

After concerns arose last month about the direction of the project, Fleming assured business leaders things were on track. He said the artists are meeting with a business consultant, writing a business plan and getting a new Web site to sell their work online.

Midtown members said they wished the artists were more a part of the community, especially downtown.

Wendy Clifton, co-owner of A Frame Above, said an open-air art fair in downtown Jackson would be good for the artists and business people.

Kathryn Keersmaekers, a Midtown board member, said she was pleased to hear about the new Web site and hopes it helps the artists reach a wider audience.

Armory Arts Village opened about a year ago. The second phase calls for 49 units of housing for artists who are senior citizens, an art gallery, a restaurant and a coffee shop. The Grand River Arts Walk will pass through it.

Last month, artists voiced concerns the developer was losing interest in the project and would just as soon rent to non-artists.

Fleming said only a few artists have such concerns. He said legislation enacted last year gave artists preference in such things as the renting of affordable apartments and that’s what his organization intends to do.