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The decision came after more than an hour's worth of discussion during the commission's Feb. 16 meeting, which ranged from defining what art is to not limiting freedom of speech.
After determining the city has a right for a permit structure, early on, commissioner Joanne Graupner called for addressing the issue from the merchants' perspective, and allowing musicians and performers to display their skills without acquiring a permit.
In addressing the issue, commissioners considered protection of merchants, enhancing the environment for visitors and not being disruptive in the park.
There was unanimous agreement that the issue should be kept simple, and that any permit issued would be displayed clearly. The commission also seemed to agree that an annual permit would cost $96 a year, pro-rated if bought in February or later, and being good until Dec. 31.
Two 'sticking points'
Major sticking points were determining "who draws the line" and the definition of handmade. It was decided to ask the Mayor's Art Council to review the art prior to showing.
There was also discussion as to whether the art should be made on-site, until Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Levine cautioned that an artist has the right to display his or her work "whether made there or not." Commissioner Draxie Rogers then stated that a permit could be used to verify that the artist made the work, as well as raise the quality.
After considerable discussion, a motion to refer the issue to the Mayor's Arts Council and City Advertising and Promotion Commission to rework and return failed for lack of a second.
Discussion continued, however, with commissioners agreeing that if a work has a utilitarian purpose, such as jewelry, it is not art. Finally, commissioners agreed that, at present, their solution is "not perfect, and it can be changed."
Other business
In other business, the commission unanimously approved installation of a triangular kiosk in Basin Spring Park, pending approval by the Historic District Commission, which would serve as a low-maintenance informational source regarding events around town.
Plans were made for the site to be marked off with chalk, and the commission will meet at the park at 10 a.m. on Feb. 26.
Also, regarding brochures, the commission decided on just one for racks, at a cost of about $7,500.
Graupner introduced a fundraiser for the parks system which would focus on selling bulbs and flowers with the commission receiveing 50 percent of the proceeds. The orders could be taken online as well as in person.
Most plants sold through the fundraiser will tolerate shade and many are resistant to deer. Trees would also be available.
Plans call for the planting of 1,000 mixed daffodils, including King Alfred and Narcissus.
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Watching the various missteps, outburst, tirades, ineffectiveness and pointless self-aggrandizement of various members of the so-called Eureka Springs leadership over the years has been mildly and morbidly entertaining. But I have to say that the suggestion by the Parks and Recreation commission to charge the scant few artists who sit in Basin park $96 a year for a permit is just ugly, ill-informed and lamentable.
Does the commission really think that clamping down on small-time, struggling artists and crafts-people is going to improve the economic condition and image of this town? Do they think they are going to generate any significant tax revenues with this permit scheme? Has anyone from the commission ever talked to anybody who sells their goods in the park? Do they have any idea how little most people make a year selling there, barring the already heavily regulated May Arts Fest? Do they really think clearing out the park is going to encourage more tourists to make the long drive to Eureka, and to walk down the sidewalks? Do they surmise that such an ordinance will put more cash in the pockets of the merchants who are incessantly worried that somebody else got a worn-out dime that didn't roll into their dusty stores? Did the commission really suggest - with straight faces and pure hearts - that work with a utilitarian purpose, such as jewelry, is not art? Where did they get such a preposterous idea from? Does the commission know anything at all about aesthetics? What qualifies them to be the judges of what is, and isn't art? Were they appointed the Grand Artistic Regents of this town by some particular shadow branch of the local government, perhaps during a secret, late-night executive session? Or did they decide themselves that they had such wide-spread, god-like authority?
Does the commission really think seizing, regulating and choking out the park's already barely existing art scene is going to benefit anyone or anything? Are the merchants who put them up to this draconian act equally delusional?
Basin Park doesn't need more restriction. It needs more artisans showing their work there. The more things for tourists to look at and buy, the more likely they are to come to town, and spend money. Variety and competition, miniscule as it may be, is a good thing. It isn't rocket science. Sorry merchants if your goods in your store is too lame and over-priced to interest anybody to pull out their wallet. Sorry that the marketing leadership in this town seems to have virtually no capacity to promote itself to the outside world in an effective and creative manner. But don't blame people sitting in the park, selling a few paintings and a few bits of hand-made jewelry, for your lack of economic prowess.
A significant part of Eureka charm is the spontaneous, non-regulated Basin Park art scene. From day to day, you never know who or what might be there. And that's the point. Enough of Eureka has already gone stale. Don't destroy the spirit of the park too. It's pretty-much on life support already. And please merchants: don't take your economic frustration out on those who are at the bottom of the economic ladder. It's not their fault that you aren't making any money with tired, mostly ho-hum stores, lined wall to wall with the same cheesy merchandise and art that hasn't sold for years now. Besides, very few people outside of a roughly 300-400 mile radius, have ever heard of Eureka Springs. That's a marketing failure, pure and simple.
Such problems aren't going to be solved by creating a new tax for those least able to pay it.
But of course, we all know the real reason for all of this is to put all those selling their wares in the park out of business permanently, so that the shop owners who cry about unfair competition can find another demon to blame for their own economic retardation. It certainly has nothing to do with protecting the artistic integrity and image of this town.
It's sad to watch American culture being devoured by the multi-faceted incarnation of greed - which has swept, and continues to sweep, the country. But it's particularly lamentable to watch it in Eureka Springs: once a unique and friendly oasis in the Ozarks, but looking, more and more like the rest of the world every day.
This proposed ordinance actually has nothing to do with art. It's high-browed social engineering, pure and simple. It's the localized, self-proclaimed elite putting their boots on the necks of those who are the least able to defend themselves, those who are the least to blame for the economic failure of this town. It's noting more than monopolizing the scant resources available in this struggling tourist town, cutting out those who are least able to survive such a regulation. Shame on the Parks and Recreation commission, and those they serve, for trying to pass an economic ordinance created to protect those with the most fiscal power at the expense of those with the least economic security, dressing it up as artistic reform and purification.
The ironic thing is, it will have a backlash effect on those who think it will be protecting them. It will make this town less appealing to tourists, reduce the amount of people who want to come here, along with the money they might spent here.
As a part timer who loves wandering around town, the artistic displays in Basin Park are always enjoyable as is the people watching there. While a small registration fee to track the various artists might be reasonable, a $96 liscense is not.
The idea that some group is going to decide what can be displayed or sold based on their opinion is just not right in our democracy. If the artist made what they are selling then it should be allowed.