Loudoun Arts Feeling Economic Crunch

By Charity Corkey (Contact)

Friday, April 10, 2009

While the worst economic downturn in a generation is causing families and businesses to tighten their purse strings, local artists are brainstorming ways to stay afloat.

The recession is affecting both performing and visual artists in Loudoun County, from individuals to large groups, no matter how much of a history they have in the community.

Michael Rohr, executive director of the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra, said the band is "scraping the bottom of the barrel."

Currently in its 18th season - the first official performance was in 1991 - the symphony recently lost significant donors. So far, the income that the symphony receives in donor contributions is down by 30 percent.

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Gallery 222's January Sale

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“Tuscan Landscape” by Kurt Schwarz was one of many paintings sold at Gallery 222's "Off the Wall" sale in January. (Gale Waldron)

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Gallery 222 in Leesburg exhibits work from local leading and emerging artists. Due to the economic crisis, sales at the gallery have slowed. (Charity Corkey)

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"This year, when we ask for sponsorship for new events, people say, 'Well I'd like to help you, but I can't,'" Rohr said.

To make up for the decrease in contributions, the symphony has planned two fundraisers. The first, Loudoun's Got Talent Youth Edition will be held May 2, followed by a silent auction and gala on June 14.

"Assuming the gala produces what we're expecting, we should be fine for next season [starting in October]," said Rohr. "But just getting through April and May is going to be tough."

Other Loudoun artists are also feeling the economic pinch. In Middleburg, professional photographer Sarah Huntington has been booking mostly smaller-paying jobs lately.

To compensate, she adjusted her marketing strategy by increasing quantity and lowering her prices.

"Find something that people want and cut your rates to bring in move volume," she said.

Gale Waldron, owner of Gallery 222 in Leesburg - an exhibit for area visual artists - said the gallery has experienced a decrease in sales.

To encourage buying, Waldron asked local artists to provide discounted work for an exhibit called Off the Wall, which she held on Jan. 17 and 18. Many of the artists lowered their prices by as much as 50 percent, and the sale was a success.

During a typical exhibit, Gallery 222 showcases about 20 paintings, and of those, around 12 will sell, Waldron said. Off the Wall featured 200 pieces, and by the end of the weekend, more than 100 items had sold.

Nonetheless, Waldron does not plan on holding a second Off the Wall.

"If we start to discount [the artists'] work, especially new work, there would be no incentive for people to come to our shows," she said.

Still, the results were impressive, proving that even as art groups struggle with their finances, one thing has remained steady: demand.

Although ticket prices do not compensate for the loss of the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra's donor support, the group has been encouraged by steady ticket sales.

"The quantity of our audiences hasn't really suffered," Rohr said. "What they say is that in troubled times, people want to go out to see a play or hear some music."

Jeff Stern, manager of the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center, said sales have remained consistent at the center as well.

"People turn to the things that help them feel comfortable," Stern said. "I don't see it as escapism, but something at the end of the day to take the edge off."

Tagged: arts, Economy, Franklin Park Center, Gallery 222, Loudoun Symphony

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