Oxford Michigan. The gravel capital of the world. The belly of Hell for an artist.
I grew up here and lived a significant amount of my life here. It is the same sleepy little town it was 40 years ago. The powers that be want it that way. Just look at the "slogan" they paid some scary out of state firm $6,000.00 to come up with; "Oxford, small done right." Powerhouse branding, ahem.
Meanwhile, the town is in financial hardship and flailing. Businesses here are milk toast safe and wholesome. What they don't understand is safe and wholesome equals boring, boring equals zero money. Duh.
I have tried bringing this township into the modern era by working with a local business and creating a graffiti style mural on the back of their store, which got alot of positive reaction from the public. Yet, the gallery I did the mural for wouldn't show my art in his gallery. It was too edgy for tired ass Oxford. It would rock too many boats. 6 months later, said gallery is out of business. (And the current owner has painted over it)
Today I tried talking to the chamber of commerce about setting up my art tent perhaps every other weekend along with other artists to sell our stuff and bring potential foot traffic to the tired ass downtown. Their answer was typical, they told me I could apply to set up a tent at their lame ass Thursday night music in the park event. Get this, if I pay a $100.00 booth fee. FUCK YOU. I then asked how much the bands are paying for the opportunity to play there and she was appauled. She told me they were paid to perform, and I asked "to perform what, their art?" Well, that was a conversation ender. I am an artist and musician and know that creativity fuels both.
So, basically, the town wants to fuck me out of a hundred dollars. And somehow that will put Oxford on the map and bring in fresh money to the cash strapped town. Forward thinking man.
Sinister
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