Renaissance Roam to aid local arts, economy

~ May 16, 2008 ~

Is it possible for something so small—a concept, one puzzle piece—to change a suffering community? Can a tree grow from a seed?

Studio 1219 offers Port Huron and the surrounding communities a cultural seed. The studio, called an “arts incubator,” provides economic stimulus through art, culture and educational opportunities. Studies show that when cultural opportunities are introduced and cultivated in a community, the result is some degree of economic growth.

Saturday’s “Renaissance Roam the Globe”—from 4 to 10:30 p.m.—is an annual fund-raising event presented by Studio 1219. Last year, juried artists’ works were displayed throughout downtown Port Huron’s homes.

This year, the displays will be hosted in some of the historically-recognizable and now vacant buildings throughout downtown. Each site will be a different port from around the world, offering food, music, drinks (age 21 and older) and fantastic local artists’ works for purchase.

The tour itself is offered for a meager suggested donation of $10. The studio anticipates more than 1,600 visitors to this year’s event, more than double last year’s visitors.

Port Huron and the surrounding areas should applaud efforts, such as Studio 1219’s. The goal is to aid the rejuvenation of this area through art and culture. Give it a try. Artists make the world a more interesting and beautiful place!

Story originally printed in the Port Huron Times Herald on Friday, May 16, 2008. Written by Susan Gartee from Croswell on May 14, 2008