ART ATTACK returns for 4th annual event
Good Things Are “Found in Fred”
It began as a hometown movement organized in 2012 by local artists to encourage and celebrate the region’s vibrant art community; its aim to bring the studio outside for an audience to see: “This event was birthed out of a desire to get the artists out there and to meet each other. We wanted a forum for artists to support one another and our larger community,” said Bill Harris, painter, LibertyTown Arts Studio. “We decided to bring it to the public on William and Caroline streets because it’s so difficult to accommodate a lot of artists in a gallery” said Gabriel Pons, PONSHOP Art Studio & Gallery. The responses from artists continues to be tremendous, in the events 4th year. They band together for a common cause, which has them both participating in, and supporting their passion: “They really enjoyed being able to perform their craft. There was a real comfort level in having the freedom to do what you wanted to do without parameters or restrictions, to essentially come and go as you pleased,” said Pons. “The artist making the work is the art, the performance; the goal is not necessarily the finished product,” stated Pons, who
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September 2015
who benefits from fxbg Main Street?
By A.E. Bayne
By ryan davis
Recruits ambushing downtown Fxbg may signal a familiar past for a city rich in Civil War history, but this is not for soldiers, it is a “call to arms” for local artists to participate in a live art demonstration on the city streets. This event called “Art Attack” is a one-day grassroots event organized by local artisans to encourage the exposure and celebration of local artwork scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, September 19 from 10-4 on the sidewalks of Caroline and William Streets. (After party at LibertyTown 4:307:30)
Downtown Buzz
explained that this event gives the artist a reason to start a work. In addition, Art Attack had to consider its impact on the whole downtown area, keeping in mind what would be beneficial for local businesses: “We don’t want to hinder or disrupt the normal operations of the downtown businesses. In conjunction with celebrating our art, we hope to continue to build relationships and ultimately increase business for restaurants and shops. I think we did that in the past and
and this year should be no exception ,” Harris said. Not only did the creators want it to be a free event, they want those visiting downtown to feel connected to the artists. Having the performance right there on the streets give onlookers the opportunity to stop and meet the artist: “One of the ways this positively impacts the community is the audience sees the process, gets to know the artist, and make a deeper connection to the art,” Harris said. By connecting with art, the artists hope their example re-ignites the community’s passion to work at their own artistic endeavors, no matter what age or stage they’re at: “We’re looking to attract the artist who didn’t initially jump in with both feet or who are on the fringes,” Pons said. Harris said, “I want to encourage young people to pursue art. They can do it. Art often has the power to fill a void.” Fredericksburg has been an ideal location to support Art Attack because this community has accepted a blend numerous people groups, cultures, and ideas. This city has become a home for transplants, and in so doing, has become a place of inclusion for the artists: “You have everything here: painters, sketchartists, jewelers, sculptors & potters; many others. In my opinion, the quality of art here is so rich it is on par or even better that what you’d find in metropolitan hubs such as Washington D.C. or Richmond.” Ryan Davis is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. Photos (top-bottom) of Beverly Coates, Bill Harris & Betsy Glassie are from Art Attack 2014.
Front porch fredericksburg
It’s not often you hear of a business taking off as quickly as Found in Fred. While in the works for some time, owners Rick Jeffries and Chris Austin brought the shop to life in the span of 72 hours at the end of July: signing a lease, setting up the company, completing legal and IRS paperwork, obtaining permits and rezoning papers, and getting an inspection. They’ve been open for a month now. With the help of Robbie Hill, a third owner who will act as shop keep for the space, Found in Fred will provide marketing plans and a second storefront for local businesses around Fredericksburg. Jeffries met Austin about six months ago when Austin approached him to market his architectural business, ARCITECK Design and Build, and his vintage chair company, A Modern Chair. Jeffries immediately saw the value in Austin’s products and thought they should be out in front of the public. They decided to open a shop in town, not only to promote Austin’s chairs and architectural business, but also to offer more visibility and promotions for any stores that might be interested. Strategically located between Pitaiyo and FOODE, Jeffries says there has been wide interest in Found in Fred from all parts of town. Their concept is to feature start-ups, local businesses with secured storefronts, and entrepreneurs who are out there without storefront visibility. Found in Fred will offer package deals of two weeks to one month to house merchandise and market local businesses’ goods and services to visitors. They will also professionally photograph the merchandise and promote it online and through Found in Fred columns in various local publications. After working long hours for the past few years as an architect in Baltimore, Maryland, Austin is looking forward to working with the community
By Ann Glave and stable rents along with increased property values.
and having a job that will allow him to pursue creative endeavors more freely. He works, at times, as an actor on the Revolutionary War drama Turn and as a stand in on House of Cards. Austin’s design business will stock the store with his modern chairs, which he plans to use as the model for future classes on refurbishing vintage furniture. Additionally, ARCITECK will showcase its first project when Chris completes the design and build on Alive by Design Chiropractic Center in Central Park this fall. During Found in Fred’s inaugural month, featured businesses have included Good Turn Earth, The Toy Store, Tubular Gear, Past and Present Treasures, Christina Bendo (LibertyTown Arts), Gabriel Pons (PONSHOP), and River Rock Outfitters. Jeffries notes, “Even people on this street want a second store front. Our goal is to stimulate foot traffic away from here. We really want to be that hub where people can come and get a taste of Fredericksburg from our store, and then move on to visit the origin store locations.” Found in Fred will have their ribbon cutting ceremony on September 4, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to celebrate with them.
More than just merchants! Main Street is more than just a retail and restaurant association. The overall goal for a strong vibrant Downtown resonates with many different groups. Yes, the merchants and restaurants do see an immediate benefit with promotional events compared to other groups. Promotions offer quick turnaround. It takes time to improve and grow a healthy Downtown. If Downtown is thriving, the City and region as a whole is thriving. Downtown prospers, businesses grow, home sales increase… it’s a ripple effect. Improving the quality of life makes recruiting and retaining people, whether it be employees, residents, or a business easier. Many other groups can benefit from a strong vibrant Downtown A strong Downtown benefits property owners with increased occupancy
Dreaming of Owning Downtown? Let’s Make it Happen!
A strong Downtown benefits financial institutions with the A strong Downtown benefits the potential for an expanded business and schools and colleges with student residential customer base, involvement in activities and can improve their and offers potential If Downtown is public image and good and thriving, the City and region employment will. b u s i n e s s as a whole is thriving. opportunities. In A strong Downtown prospers, addition, Downton Downtown benefits businesses grow, home sales can be used as a professional and service ”classroom” for businesses with increase… it’s a ripple effect. school projects. increased access to multiple consumers. It A strong Downtown also provides amenities for their staff and benefits Community Partners by bringing clients and can expand their public image in potential new members or attendees, and good will. creating a healthier overall business climate and potential partnerships with A strong Downtown benefits the common goals. residents by offering work, play, and an active lifestyle. All of which is encouraged Business outside the district can by local accessibility to goods, services and benefit from a strong Downtown through employment. increased visitor traffic, additional amenities for employees and clients, plus A strong Downtown benefits the increased business from an overall local government with an increased sales
Front Porch Fredericksburg
Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997
A.E. Bayne is a writer, visual artist, and educator who is a frequent contributor to Front Porch Magazine. She co-edits Fredericksburg Literary Review and has been living in FXBG for 17 years.
and property tax base resulting from revitalization of Downtown properties and growing businesses.
www.cabinetworks.org Phone: 804.224.1812 Fax: 804.224.1803 Email: pete@cabinetworks.org
We are all interconnected so it makes sense to collaborate. Working together with the City, other nonprofits, various organizations and businesses, residents and each other will result in a better Downtown. It’s not always easy and progress might be slower than we like, however, the end result benefits everyone. As Main Street moves towards its goal of a healthy Downtown, everyone is invited to participate. If you want to get involved with Fredericksburg VA Main Street on a board or a committee level, please reach out to Ann Glave info@fredericksburgmainstreet.org, Scarlett Pons, President spons@ponshopstudio.com or Lisa Durham, Volunteer Director volunteer@fredericksburgmainstreet.org.
Please call for information, 540-374-0443 info@shopwhittingham.com
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Showroom at Leedstown, Virginia
Visitors benefit from a strong Downtown by experiencing a variety of enjoyable activities that will boost the local economy. Great experiences will bring more visitors.
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front porch fredericksburg
September 2015
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