Is the Eastside ready to support local "indie" artists and designers?

I live and work on the Eastside. I have long been thinking of bringing an "indie art event" to the Eastside. I would like to get a feel for the kind of support an event like this might be able to expect.
Are shoppers on the Eastside looking for something more unique and different than what is found at the malls? Are you interested in supporting local artists and designers, and purchasing one of a kind, handmade goods by these locals? Are you looking for a new kind of shopping venue? Something that is more casual and fun and entertaining? Would you enjoy, eating, drinking, shopping, all while listening to cool music? This is a taste of what my event could provide, but is the Eastside ready to get behind supporting local small businesses and amazing local artists?
Give me your feedback and help me make this a possibility/reality!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and respond, it is much appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Hilderbrand on August 19, 2009 at 9:53pm: I think it's a cool idea Cassandra! In fact I believe that I've seen this style of art at the Belleveu Art Museum!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cassandra Lanning on August 20, 2009 at 11:10pm: Thanks Lisa! I'll keep you posted.

Lisa Hilderbrand said:
I think it's a cool idea Cassandra! In fact I believe that I've seen this style of art at the Belleveu Art Museum!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Anna Macrae on August 23, 2009 at 9:02am: I am an artist, I am always interested to find out new ideas in the community, I will be following your progress, Anna
www.annamacrae.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Naomi Kuritzky Regan on August 27, 2009 at 5:40pm: I think it's ripe for it! There's so much on this side of the lake - this would only serve to enrich!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joe "The Connector" Kennedy on August 30, 2009 at 7:41pm: This is a news release sent to me the other day that may be of interest:

Funding Available for Arts in Bellevue

Each year artists and arts groups working in Bellevue get a boost from the City’s two arts funding programs: Eastside Arts Partnerships (EAP) and Special Projects. The application period for 2010 is open for both. Guidelines and applications for obtaining funding are posted on the City’s web page in the arts section at http://www.bellevuewa.gov/arts_special_projects_funding.htm. Applications for each program are due received at City Hall by 5 p.m. Oct. 2, 2009.

A workshop for those interested in applying for Special Projects funding will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at Bellevue City Hall, room 1E-112.

EAP provides operating funds for arts organizations doing all or most of their programming in Bellevue. Organizations serving Bellevue and demonstrating excellence in artistic quality, management, fiscal strength, and community connections are prime candidates for EAP funding. These groups provide significant public benefit for Bellevue residents and support the goals of the Cultural Compass, the City’s cultural plan. Information about Cultural Compass is on the City’s website at http://www.bellevuewa.gov/cultural_compass.htm

Special Projects funding provides partial support for projects in Bellevue by artists or arts organizations. High quality arts projects that provide a clear public benefit to Bellevue residents and support the goals of the Cultural Compass are the top criteria for Special Projects funding.

For 2010, the Arts Commission is challenging artists to propose projects occurring in the Bel-Red area. Earlier this year Bellevue City Council laid the groundwork for the long-term redevelopment of the area, including a vision for an arts district. Although an actual arts district is many years away, the Arts Commission is expected to recommend that up to 50 percent of Special Projects funds are used for Bel-Red projects. Applications for projects elsewhere in Bellevue are also welcome.

The City of Bellevue Arts Program provides funding for arts organizations and artists working in Bellevue, manages Bellevue’s Public Art Program, oversees implementation of the Cultural Compass and other cultural initiatives. The Arts Program is advised by the Bellevue Arts Commission, a seven-member volunteer advisory group appointed by City Council.

Complete details, instructions and application forms for both funding programs are in the guidelines available online or by contacting the Arts Program at 425-452-4105.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cassandra Lanning on August 30, 2009 at 7:53pm: Thanks Joe, this sounds great! I will check into it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stacey Carolfi on September 10, 2009 at 3:12am: Stacey Carolfi said:
Hi..This is a great idea in our economy. We have been looking for stores that carry artist and American made products and would love to hear more as you progress. There are just not enough stores looking out for the future of our economy. Yvonne Totes offers American made handbags, totes, travel pillows and much more.
Stacey

http://takeatote.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cassandra Lanning on September 10, 2009 at 12:55pm: Update:
We are now tentatively planning a small holiday show in Kirkland to see how "our style" is received on the eastside. Will post more as details become available.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cassandra Lanning on September 15, 2009 at 3:08am: Update: Visit our website for more info http://www.iheartindieholidays.com
Follow our progress on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=131274333903&r...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cassandra Lanning on October 12, 2009 at 8:21pm: Contact: Cassandra Lanning
I Heart Indie Holidays
Phone 425 245 3728
www.iheartindieholidays.com

Press Release

I Heart Indie Holidays moves to the Eastside!
I Heart Indie Holidays comes back in 2009 with a smaller, more focused show in downtown Kirkland.
Kirkland, WA, October 5, 2009: On Sunday November 29th, I Heart Indie Holidays 2009 will premiere as the Eastside’s FIRST Indie Holiday Craft Show. Innovative, artistic and crafty vendors from the Pacific Northwest will give Eastside visitors a shopping experience like no other. Hosted at the Lake Street Bar & Nightclub, shoppers will be able to enjoy cocktails, a full service food menu, and a live DJ all while browsing the unique handmade goodness on display. Show opens at 11am and runs until 6pm, but get there early… because the first 25 customers get a crafty-licious holiday swag bag!
I Heart Indie Holidays made it’s debut in 2007 as a triple-threat holiday show spanning three weekends and three cities around the Pacific Northwest. After a one year hiatus, I Heart Indie Holidays is back to bring indie-fever to the Eastside!
I Heart Indie Holidays is put together by the folks at I Heart Rummage, Seattle’s longest-running, indie craft event. This holiday season I Heart Rummage and I Heart Indie Holidays will be partnering with the Bellevue Art Museum to bring in-your-face crafty demos to the BAM’s screening of the indie craft revolution’s film masterpiece, “Handmade Nation”.
So shop local and buy handmade, make this holiday season a craft-acular one!

www.iheartindieholidays.com

What: I Heart Indie Holidays
Where: Lake Street Bar & Nightclub, 15 Lake Street, Kirkland, WA
When: Sunday, November 29th, from 11am – 6pm; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Joe "The Connector" Kennedy on October 12, 2009 at 8:38pm: Hi Cassandra - you might want to consider adding this as an event here at EE and at Eastside Business Journal. I have also posted your news release at: http://joeconnector.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&...

Cassandra Lanning said:
Contact: Cassandra Lanning
I Heart Indie Holidays
Phone 425 245 3728
www.iheartindieholidays.com

Press Release

I Heart Indie Holidays moves to the Eastside!
I Heart Indie Holidays comes back in 2009 with a smaller, more focused show in downtown Kirkland.
Kirkland, WA, October 5, 2009: On Sunday November 29th, I Heart Indie Holidays 2009 will premiere as the Eastside’s FIRST Indie Holiday Craft Show. Innovative, artistic and crafty vendors from the Pacific Northwest will give Eastside visitors a shopping experience like no other. Hosted at the Lake Street Bar & Nightclub, shoppers will be able to enjoy cocktails, a full service food menu, and a live DJ all while browsing the unique handmade goodness on display. Show opens at 11am and runs until 6pm, but get there early… because the first 25 customers get a crafty-licious holiday swag bag!
I Heart Indie Holidays made it’s debut in 2007 as a triple-threat holiday show spanning three weekends and three cities around the Pacific Northwest. After a one year hiatus, I Heart Indie Holidays is back to bring indie-fever to the Eastside!
I Heart Indie Holidays is put together by the folks at I Heart Rummage, Seattle’s longest-running, indie craft event. This holiday season I Heart Rummage and I Heart Indie Holidays will be partnering with the Bellevue Art Museum to bring in-your-face crafty demos to the BAM’s screening of the indie craft revolution’s film masterpiece, “Handmade Nation”.
So shop local and buy handmade, make this holiday season a craft-acular one!

www.iheartindieholidays.com

What: I Heart Indie Holidays
Where: Lake Street Bar & Nightclub, 15 Lake Street, Kirkland, WA
When: Sunday, November 29th, from 11am – 6pm; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rachel Kim on October 12, 2009 at 9:22pm: The idea sounds great!!! I think the PNW loves everything locally grown and organically made and creativity is no different. Organically created locally is always fascinating. Supporting indie art is even better :); ▶ Reply to This