Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 6, Issue 11, November 2002

Copyright 2002 Seattle Sun. Please feel free to use the article and photos below in your research. Be sure to quote the Seattle Sun as your source.

Calling all Lake City artists, businesses

By JANET THOMPSON

Many of the neighborhoods and business districts in Seattle have strong linkages with the arts community. Pioneer Square galleries sponsor art walks on the first Thursday of every month.

Other neighborhoods, such as Greenwood and Ballard, link art and business more directly by holding art walk events where artists are invited to display their art works inside diverse types of businesses, not just art galleries. This unique partnership draws foot traffic into restaurants, beauty salons and specialty shops, and provides the public with the opportunity to talk with both artists and local business owners.

Here in Lake City, we have an emerging arts community. Businesses in Lake City need more foot traffic. The neighborhoods in this area need to look beyond the car dealerships to see the diversity of businesses that is slowing growing in downtown Lake City.

Lake City businesses and artists need the public's support.

Two potential strategies from growing both downtown Lake City and Lake City's arts community include an art walk, or an art-in-the-park event that could be tied in with a sidewalk sale.

Those who have other ideas or strategies are encouraged to contact the Lake City Chamber of Commerce at 363-3287.

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Janet Thompson is executive director of the Lake City Chamber.