Recently it was noted in the local newspapers that the Over the Rhine Foundation has invited artists and "flea market" vendors to come on down to Main Street sidewalks to hawk their wares on weekends. An amazing stroke of genius! Bring something to the "entertainment district" that would attract the people that the "entertainment district" could entice into their establishments to spend money; true mental stimulation!

Flashback: 15 or 20 years ago, Main Street looking a bit the worse for wear, empty storefront after empty storefront, begging for occupants. Free visibility and low rent? Perfect situation for artists, who move in almost en masse. Neighborhood stability ensues with increased occupancy by productive people with jobs. Entrepreneurs see a "revitalized" community, take advantage of depressed real estate prices, rehab and move in. The public follows, especially those already attracted by the arts scene.

Depressed real estate prices rebound, rent goes up, artists are financially squeezed out, patronage falls off, and the entrepreneurs are staring at each other (since fewer customers come around) with quizzical looks; "What's up with that?"

I doubt that anyone here has actually made this epiphany - connected the dots that draw full circle.

Other cities have made revitalization programs succeed by relying on permanent incentives for artists to move and stay in a potential hot spot, with tax abatements (not just for the megaconglomerate anymore!), low-interest loans and rent controls.

So now the boomerang hits the "entertainment district" in the back of the head, and the planners look down and see this "art" thing at their feet. As if they have discovered a totally new idea, they say, "Heeeeyy; what if we asked the artists to come here? And charge them for bringing business to us?!"

Art isn't a thing; it's a way. If you nourish it, it will lead you right where you want to go: prosperity.

Larry Watson of Alexandria, an adjunct professor of art at Northern Kentucky University, is a past president of the Kentucky Guild of Artists & Craftsmen.

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