Art for Everyone: the sequel

This fall, 12 art teachers will lead their students in a new public art project: painting snow plows. The plows come from Roanoke’s public works department, which will spray them with a durable clear coat, then put them into action. The idea and the funding comes from the Roanoke Arts Commission.

It’s just the latest initiative to engage all of Roanoke in the arts. When the city adopted its Art for Everyone plan in 2006 and set aside dedicated funds, we cheered, noting that it “stretches the canvas on which the city can paint its vibrancy.”

Art is blossoming in Roanoke, and residents have come to appreciate that a vibrant art community is not hemmed in by studio and museum walls. Performance artists appear in neighborhood parks, sculptures pop up in public spaces, even the ordinary crosswalks, bike racks and bus shelters have turned into works of arts.

The arts commission has successfully checked off most goals listed in the 2006 plan. It’s time now for all to help sketch a new plan.

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