Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said it’s nothing new to see some art galleries open and some close in the city’s Arts & Design District. But a few recent closings have some artists and gallery owners worried, with one claiming the City of Carmel isn’t doing enough to support the area.
Brainard denied this characterization, reaffirming his support for the Arts & Design District.
“It’s stronger than it has ever been,” he said. “There are crowds on the street. Thousands of people attend the festivals. Sure, there are going to be businesses close and new ones open, but it is one of the most successful art district projects in the country, and it has been recognized as such.”
One of the major closings in late June was French Bleu Gallery, which was at 111 W. Main Street. Artist Susan Mauck opened the gallery seven years ago and was an active participant in Gallery Walks, events and association meetings. She said she wants to spend more time focusing on her own artwork and do some traveling, so she’ll be opening a studio in the Stutz Building in downtown Indianapolis.
“People have asked if I’m retiring,” she said. “Artists never retire.”
The Martin Gallery of Fine Art, located in the Indiana Design Center, closed in May after opening in October. Owner Marlon Martin said it was very difficult and that he did not make many sales in his location.
“There just wasn’t enough foot traffic,” he said. “I think it might have done better in a different location.”
ArtSplash Gallery on Main Street might not exist much longer in its current form. Several artists have been told the lease may not be renewed, and as a result some of them might join together to create a new art gallery, either in the current location or somewhere else on Main Street. The artists declined to reveal specific plans at this time.
Cathy Bauder, a former arts advisor for the district and current owner of Inspire Studio Gallery on Main Street, said she’s worried about the future of the district.
“We really wish that City Hall would do more for us,” she said. “Their attention is elsewhere, so to say.”
Bauder said she’s worried that other galleries might close or relocate out of the district.
Bauder did not have her contract renewed as a city advisor. Currently, there is no arts advisor, and Brainard said it’s unlikely a new one is needed because the district is now up and running and much of that work can be done in-house at City Hall.
Brainard said it’s unfair to say the City of Carmel hasn’t done enough to help the Arts and Design District.
“Remember, we have 125 art-related businesses in the district. It’s always sad to see one close but that’s the system,” he said. “We do events and festivals that drive thousands of people every month to the area.”
Dan McFeely, a spokesman for the Mayor’s Office, sent out a detailed statement about the ways the City helps the district.
“We do everything we can to attract as many people as possible to Main Street and the entire district,” he writes. “We also take every opportunity to highlight our local galleries and shops in our advertising, our media and publicity strategies and in the decisions we make when it comes to choosing partners for hosting events or providing food, drink, etc., for special events held in or near the District.”
McFeely noted that in 2017 alone the City has budgeted about $330,000 for festivals and community events designed to draw people to the city, about $75,000 for advertising in a variety of publications and about $200,000 for a variety of special events that also have a heavy presence and emphasis within the Arts & Design District, such as Bike Carmel, the Carmel Caffeine Trail and more. He said the city also spends money on the small details like flower pots, keeping the statues painted and more.
“The City of Carmel has invested millions in the district to create a lively destination for visitors and residents and we continue to invest in great public events that bring people to Main Street throughout the calendar year,” McFeely stated. “But even with that, we cannot guarantee that each business will enjoy success forever. Good businesses come and go. We stand ready to help the next artist and the next gallery succeed.”
