It is common knowledge that Youngstown and Northeast Ohio produce fantastic artists, thanks to institutions like the Butler Art Museum and Youngstown State University's Bliss Hall. There are other factors as well, such as the low cost of living and free resources such as Mill Creek Park. However, with The Great Recession in full swing, artist are the first to feel the negative impact of a local economy that has suffered terribly for 30 years.
The Lemon Grove is fully aware of these circumstances as artists are its frequent patrons. Upon opening in August of 2009, the Grove installed the Artist Enrichment Program to enable artists to continue to contribute to our local and national culture despite crushing economic circumstances. Artists are provided with monetary resources, art supplies, business opportunities and advice, art sales opportunities, employment opportunities, and food. Over $2,500.00 in cash and resources has been spent since August, 2009 on the Artist Enrichment Program. Funding has come through donations by management, investors in the Lemon Grove, and Patrons of the Arts.
Goals for the near future include helping select artists to expand their businesses by providing studio space, more advanced materials, equipment and resources.
The Lemon Grove will be hosting a Fund Raiser where donated, original artworks will be sold at very reasonable prices and all monies will be placed into the Artist Enrichment Program.
A number of works have already been donated. These include pieces by Jason Van Hoose, Michael Green, Scott Pergande, Eric Alleman, and Julius Veal.
