[Forum] Meeting Notes & List Discussions

[Kurt Kolok]

Veronica--I wholeheartedly agree with your idea re: the Fall Foliage 
Parade.  As a former board member of the CAC (about 6/7 years ago) I 
tried to build support for that there and as a current board member of 
NBCA have voiced that same idea for the last couple of years.  Both 
times it came down to resources ($, volunteers, time).  If the BCRC 
could be the organizing entity for something like that it would be 
incredibly helpful.  At the very least, I think the CAC, Eclipse Mill, 
NBCA, MoCA, should each have their own float.  If BCRC could help raise 
funds from local sponsors (banks, shops, chains, restaurants), collect a 
list of float-building volunteers from the community (both arts and 
non-arts), act as a collection hub for donated float materials and help 
organize workdays I think we could build enough interest and support 
from at least a couple of these organizations for this year.  I've been 
telling people for years there is no reason the Fall Foliage Parade 
can't be (and shouldn't be) North Adams' own mardi-gras when it comes to 
extravagant floats/decorations.  We've got so many talented artists here 
yet that's not typically reflected in the parade floats.

All of those organizations I listed are so focused on the 
goals/objectives of their own organizational needs that without a 
"manager" helping with some of the high level tasks it's just too much 
to ask.  Personally, I'd like to see the BCRC take on some of these 
responsibilities and act as the driving force behind this and other 
community activities/events.



Veronica Bosley wrote:
> I agree that although it would be nice to have someone like Megan working
> for the art in North Adams or North County in general, but I am unsure of
> the feasibility of this and think that if we as an arts community organize
> around certain causes/projects we could also become very successful.
>
> I think that a great way to invlove the local commuity is by trying to tap
> in to some of the long standing traditions here and carve out a space for
> artists. One idea I had (although not being an artist I don't know exactly
> how tihs idea will be received) was for artists to become more involved
> with the Fall Foliage Parade by working with corporate sponsors to make
> floats, design posters, ads, etc. surrounding this event. 
>
> As a native of the Berkshires I know that the parade has been a long
> standing tradition that nearly everyone in the community attends. I also
> know that the parade used to be a lot more fun and full of life, mostly
> because there were more organizations around to promote it and make floats
> for it. If the arts community could work together or maybe with local
> businesses I think we could make direct positive contact with the
> community through involvement with this event.
>
> I understand artists wanting to be able to do their own kind of artwork
> only, but this would be a great way to market artists and get the
> community interested and in support of area artists so that everyone can
> ultimately "do their own thing".
>
>
>   
>
>