Public Art In Parma
Growing up in Parma, the iconic seal and walrus sculptures at Parmatown Mall were an indelible memory for most residents. They disappeared years ago from in front of the mall, and it was refreshing to see them again when the new owners decided to bring them out of storage as they began the undertaking of re-imagining this retail space. As far as I can remember, this was the only public art in Parma when I was growing up, if you don't count the countless pink flamingos and chrome balls decorating so many homes throughout the city.
Will the seventh largest city in the State of Ohio continue to have no art galleries to speak of, and precious few examples of art on display for a city of 80,000? In many neighborhoods around the Greater Cleveland Area, art of all kinds has proven to be the spark of economic development for neighborhoods. Art galleries, performance venues, festivals, etc., have served to revitalize communities, spur additional growth, accelerate property values, and provide opportunities that accompany the expansion of culture and the quality of life which art bestows. Neighborhoods that have embraced art directly benefit from grants provided by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the agency established to administer millions of dollars raised by a county tax on cigarettes voted by taxpayers more than a decade ago. Kudos to Parma Area Fine Arts Council for being the first entity to apply and receive one of these grants. These efforts have been the result of planning and investment between the private sector and the cooperation of local governments. Where is the private sector in the Parma area on this vital subject? When will the Chamber of Commerce realize that by actively recruiting artistic ventures of all kinds, from galleries, festivals, educational institutions, etc., economic development will follow? We can no longer depend on the City Government exclusively to maintain and develop our cultural environment- artistic venues are after all still businesses, and are better left in the hands of those who understand how to grow and maintain commerce.
Daniel P. McCarthy
I am the publisher of the Parma Observer. Lifetime resident of Parma for over 50 years.