C.MacDonald

Children Engage in Art Weekly

C.MacDonald

7 Year Old Taylor Lyman Enjoys First Live Mike Experience

The homeless and panhandler hangout was a mostly empty space on the 300 block of Main Street in Ventura, and a place that parents with children generally avoided. Now, every Saturday, as if by magic, children are playing and painting and stringing beads, non-profit organizations engage with the public, mellow live music is playing in the background, artists are painting and selling and jewelry designers (as young as seven years) are selling their art. In the hospitality tent, one finds a host who recommends Ventura's businesses, who are promoted free of charge. How did this transformation happen so quickly?

Concerned citizens implemented a vision that transformed the park into a festive and happy place: The owner of the park, Ventura Realty, wanted to see a productive, community-serving use made of it. Dan Frederickson, former President of Kinko's and builder of the high-rising building on California Street, wanted to see downtown businesses promoted. Camille Harris, head of a city wide community council, VCORD, wanted a place for Ventura's non-profits to engage with the public and for the art community to have a weekly venue where children could engage in art.

The group also believes that a consistent happening every Saturday, overlapping for two hours with the Farmers Market, will draw more visitors to Ventura for the weekends, filling more hotel rooms and creating more revenue for the city. According to Tom Wood, of Ventura Realty, "On any Sunday in Santa Barbara, the art fair is always there and it's a great reason to go to Santa Barbara. We believe the Main Street Mini Fair is just a beginning and has the potential to grow into the same kind of draw for more business for Ventura's artists and businesses."

According to Dan Frederickson, "The Main Street Mini Fair is a "win win" for everyone and everyone needs to get behind it and ensure its ongoing growth. Support from The Ventura County Star gave us the extra push we needed to put it on the map for growth." . Camille Harris is delighted there is a place for Ventura's nonprofits to engage with the public, " This all volunteer effort has put Ventura's nonprofits and volunteer organizations on Main Street to fully engage with the public. Many people are unaware of such worthy organizations as The Adult Literacy Organization, the wonderful programs at the library, or what animals from the Animal Rescue League need homes. This park brings us together as a community in a fun and festive setting."

The Main Street Mini Fair is every Saturday through September 26th from 10 am to 4 pm. The Farmers Market, adjacent on the back parking lot, is open from 8:30 am to 12 pm. Now you can bring the kids and enjoy the music and art, after the Farmer's Market...because people imagined it and then did it. Volunteers are needed every Saturday. To volunteer, call 648-1902 or email mainstreetfair@yahoo.com.