Serving Local Artists Proves Good Business
By Maegan Krohn, 11/7/19 (Header image by EnjoyIllinois)
The trope of the starving artist is a concept that has existed long before the beatniks and bohemians that came to embody it.
Paving your way as an artist can be difficult, even knowing where to start can be a challenge. Often times, fledgling artists may be under the impression that they’ll either “blow up” or burn out, lingering in obscurity, with little in-between to make a living. Luckily, businesses in the Peoria area are hoping to change this reality.
More businesses are showing their support of local artists by displaying their work and helping them build their reputation. Many of these places may be locations college students may already spend much of their time in that add an appeal art galleries don’t offer. These displays, in addition to the added atmosphere, bring hope to aspiring artists and their future careers.
In particular, three examples stand out. The One World Cafe on University Street, CJ’s Cafe in Pekin, and even Northwoods Mall in Peoria have decorated their establishments with works by local artists, giving some quality eye-candy for their customers and recognition for the artists.
CJ’s Cafe in Pekin collaborates with the Pekin Community High School art department to put their pieces on display. PCHS alumni and ICC freshman Danielle Dingerson further explains, “Students who otherwise would only see their work displayed in the halls of their school get the opportunity to see it put up for the public to see for the first time. It’s really exciting to see when you’re just a baby artist and you haven’t really put much thought into whether or not you’re going to do well in your career. It gives you hope.”
One World Cafe, too, features a public art gallery to showcase artwork from artists in the Peoria area and beyond. The Cafe explicitly states its dedication to the community in its goal, “to create and operate an establishment where the love of hospitality, gathering, and togetherness is expressed through the creation and sharing of food and drinks.” And its patrons acknowledge the enriching environment as an appeal of the business. One patron even said, “Between the art and the food, the food is all kinds of flavors from around the world and the art is beautiful. It’s a cultural experience.”
When entering a mall, you may not expect the first thing you see to be an expansive mural or enormous paintings adorning the walls, unless, however, you’re a frequenter of Northwoods Mall.
Between the stores and along the walls of the shopping mall lie works of art created by local Peorian artists. As one of the largest shopping centers in the area, this allows them to be seen by visitors from all over Central Illinois and shopping tourists from beyond. This attraction can prove beneficial for the mall too.
“I think they liven the place up,” shopper Jenny H. said. “It’s nice if you’re sitting outside of Gloria Jean’s or in the lobby downstairs or anywhere, really. It makes you want to hang out here, not just get your stuff and leave.”
While finding a starting point in the art industry can seem like an impossibly daunting task, local businesses have proven to be sympathetic to our artists. So if you’re an artist struggling to find your way, then making friends with a local business may be a new avenue.