Art in Mart~ CRAFT Model style!

Art in Mart blog continues!  Our group traveled to Mart for the second time with the Co-op group on October 4^th.  This trip focus in reference to the CRAFT model was within the Contact and Research cells.  We had a couple of meetings scheduled:  one with a couple members of the library board and the resident master gardener, and the other with the principals of the MISD. 

To begin with, we met with those associated with the library to show them the draft of our plan.  While the plan is in fact drawn out, it is meant to be conceptual in nature and presented with the hopes of eliciting feedback and continuing to engage in a conversation about the garden/commons area.

The library group brought up several legitimate concerns such as, cost, labor, and sustainability.  While these are the same concerns that our group has, we talked to them about the process and explained that before moving forward with these logistics – the concept needs to be approved by those in charge of the lot.  Once the concept is approved, the research can continue in these areas and beyond.  While the craft model is not linear, action may begin to take place once all necessary research is conducted. 

The group also offered some good feedback regarding the general layout of the plan.  The plan was then revised with their suggestions and shared via email with the board and other interested parties, such as the master gardener. 

Paula also offered the group an interesting article on Detroit as an up and coming artist haven.  I can’t find the article online, but below is a link to a local Detroit rag that talks about the current trend.  Also, one of the organizations mentioned was the Heidelberg Project.  I’ve also included their link.  This project has done a lot of partnering with Universities as well.  Also, please notice the plan was drafted by a landscape architect student! :o)

http://detnews.com/article/20090313/LIFESTYLE/903130306/Detroit-s-hard-edge----and-dirt-cheap-real-estate----attract-artists-from-around-the-world

http://www.heidelberg.org/develop.html

To be honest, the lines are a little blurred for me at this point regarding ownership of the project.  As beneficiaries, this group does not seem interested in developing the plan themselves.  I am confused at this point, because it’s not as though the three of us have any more knowledge or experience in developing such a plan than the library group themselves.   Yet, we are being asked to develop this aspect of the project.  We are hoping to recruit experts (e.g. landscape architects) from the community to support the actual “blueprint” plan of the garden, once the concept is approved for this site.  More clarity on this issue to follow… I imagine…

Next, we met with the Mart ISD principals.  This was an awesome contact meeting!  With a collective student body population of approximately 350, the principals have a good handle on who their students are and were confident that several would be interested in service learning opportunities offered through the Mart Community Projects.  This day, we specifically discussed the commons area and the art co-op, and various ways the students may be involved.  Some of these ways included creative consultation, creating art installations, participating in art workshops, and “work parties”.  We scheduled a subsequent meeting for the 18^th, to present to high school students.

In addition, we ate lunch at the Cozy Kitchen and were able to witness Paula in action ~ doing research.   This involves talking to residents about the Mart Community Project to bolster awareness and continue to develop community partners.  It was a great trip, and we left looking forward to returning!