Everyone recognizes the value of Chambers of Commerce, Better Business Bureaus, or Economic Development Councils. The purpose is obvious. They promote business which creates jobs, encourages business support of the community, and open doors to encourage local business owners to work together. The Arts Council is your Chamber of Commerce for the arts. Attracting creative individuals to our community who will attract other creative people which in turn will make our community vibrant and exciting.

The Arts Council is the official arts agency for Oxford and Lafayette County, with one full-time staff member, a twelve member Board of Directors, and volunteers working to transform the creative works of artists, performers, musicians, and writers into programs that create jobs, attract tourists, and enrich our community. How effective is the arts council? In 2009 the arts council working with local artists fostered over 315 days of art programs. These programs ranged from gallery exhibits, live music, performing arts, and special events including free dance lessons for all ages, free arts classes, and a writer’s series that featured nationally recognized authors. In addition, on going programs received national attention, the Powerhouse Gallery Series was recognized by the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation for documenting local visual artists and the literary magazine Kitty Snacks has been selected by an instructor at Michigan Technical University as a textbook. The continued renovation of the Powerhouse provides opportunities for amateur and professional artist to perform, exhibit, and present their works.

I want to invite you to an event this weekend, Taylorpalooza. It is a simple event. A picnic on the green at Plein Air. Taylorpalooza was launched by members of the community who wanted to showcase how the arts are part of life in Lafayette County. The event features live music, art, activities for children and a chance for you to become a member of the arts council. This is not an exclusive club, it is the opposite, and it is one of those rare cases where more is better. Because the more people involved in the Arts Council the more opportunities, programs and events. Join us this Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 5pm-9pm on the green at Plein Air in Taylor. I really do mean join us, become a member of the arts council. If you are unable to attend Taylorpalooza then keep in touch with the arts council online at www.oxfordarts.com where you can learn about all the events, programs and exhibits that are supported through membership in the arts council

Get your Membership in the Arts Council here