6 minute read
Creating a Stronger Community Through the Arts
by Yazmin Maldanado
An empty canvas creates a space for endless opportunities just like:
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a new roll of film, a sample of fabric, a blank sheet of paper, the strum of a new chord, an empty stage.
Art can take form through many mediums, providing an artist with an opportunity to be heard. It's when people feel heard that their connection to the community and to their neighbor is deepened.
photo by Jen Navarro
Time has been devoted to asking how we bring people to Lorain.
The arts provide an answer to how we can invest in the people who are here to develop a community that thrives from within.
Utilizing the arts to push our local economy forward expands the realm of possibilities for our youth, entrepreneurs, and countless others. Every day throughout the country, more than 100,000 nonprofit arts and culture organizations act as economic drivers—creating an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of the tourism industry.
In several ways, this city is a blank canvas of its own waiting to be filled by those within our culturally rich community—similar to Antonio Barrios, whose creative soul and passion for culture led him to develop a permanent home for the arts in Lorain.
photo by Jen Navarro
The Stage Has Been Set
The Lorain Arts Council, which began as a subcommittee of Lorain Growth Corporation, is an arts organization dedicated to the recognition and awareness of the arts. Its home at 737 Broadway Avenue has been a part of the community for more than 12 years.
Under President Antonio Barrios, LAC has been offering contributions to the art world for more than a decade. They have hosted live events, fashion shows, comedy shows, art and photography galleries, art classes, concerts, and more.
In addition, LAC has supported the community through several city-wide events, creating a float for the Lorain International Festival Parade and adding murals now on display on the back of their building overlooking Black River Landing.
photo by Jen Navarro
LAC's mission is amplified through its statement of purpose:
Scrolling through LAC's Facebook account, you will see that they have succeeded in doing just that. Photos displayed on their page showcase the gathering of people of all ages and cultural backgrounds participating in LAC events. These photos serve as proof of the social value of both culture and art together.
As an artist himself, Antonio understands how important it is to support the imaginative and creative spirit of those in the community. He has witnessed the positive change in communities once a focus on the arts was given to a particular region.
photo by Jen Navarro
Referencing Cleveland's Tremont, Ohio City, and Gordon Square neighborhoods, he stated that once art was integrated into these areas, they became locations that many people wanted to visit.
The allure created by artists boosted local economies, with many becoming more financially viable after. Urban growth is possible through the arts, and in a "post" COVID-19 world, creating a sense of community—although a tougher task—is more important than ever.
Thinking "Outside" the Box
Creatives are among those severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis, leading many to find innovative ways to engage with the community. Adapting to this new state-of-the-art world led one local comedian to the idea of hosting outdoor comedy right here in his hometown.
Having performed around the country from New York to Los Angeles, and been featured on HBO, Comedy Central, and NBC, Ramon Rivas II began hosting weekly Comedy in the Park events at our very own Oakwood Park.
He acquired all the necessary items, including radio transmitters so attendees could tune in from their cars, sourced comedic talent to join him, and began spreading the word. The community responded positively, and soon Comedy in the Park expanded to host shows at the Lorain Arts Council's outdoor stage.
photo by Jen Navarro
Comedy in the Park provided Ramon with a way to host an event for Lorain while adhering to the restrictions placed on social gatherings. It also allowed struggling comedians a venue to keep their audience entertained and the arts alive.
photo by Jen Navarro
Quarantine postponed and canceled numerous LAC events, and they even spent a large amount of time completely closed to the public. Fortunately, the comedy shows demonstrated a resurgence of the arts in the community; the stage was set, and the people came—they even brought fold-up chairs.
photo by Jen Navarro
Ramon's acts have included comics such as Mary Santora, Rob Ward, Brett Thomas, and Maria DiPerna. John Armstrong, Amber Maeda, and David Morales are other comedians who have also taken the Oakwood Park and LAC stages.
photo by Jen Navarro
Together, Ramon and the Lorain Arts Council plan to host shows moving forward. They will be adjusting the schedule to fit the ever-changing climate, and with our support, we can help make sure the show lives on.
photo by Jen Navarro
Lights, Camera, Action!
The Lorain Arts Council is an arts organization funded through donations, sponsorships, and grants.
Ramon and his comics separately receive contributions from their generous audience members and welcome donations to help keep our community laughing.
Here are some ways you can start supporting all of the arts today:
–Encourage and support creatives in the community
–Purchase local art
–Make a donation
–Lend a helping hand
–Spread the word
–Attend an event
–Bring your friends
photo by Jen Navarro
For further information about upcoming events, follow LAC on Facebook, @TheLorainArtsCouncil, or contact LAC via phone at (440) 320-0295 or by email at info@lorainartscouncil.com.
If you are interested in learning more about Ramon or supporting him and his events, please visit his website at www.blazerramon.com.
Now is our time to take action.
