Mentone Arts Center — Local services in Mentone

This may be the most controversial review I will have made to date, but I feel that it needs to be done. There is a serious problem afflicting towns everywhere, no matter the size. One that few people notice and fewer still are able to do anything about.

We all suffer for those few individuals who, when given positions of influence and power, invariably act upon their own self interests instead of the good of the community they serve. They manipulate laws, regulation, policies, and city councils. They sway outcomes to favor their own personal economy and self worth, all while suppressing any opportunity for others to grow in opposition.

This art gallery is a prime example of that problem in our own small town. Sure, it looks nice from the outside. No doubt, it's a tastefully designed place. But, let's consider for a moment what the Mentone Arts Center actually is, what it does for the town, and what it could be if circumstances were different.

It's been two years since I moved back to this town, and I've been inside the gallery twice. Keep in mind I have a great appreciation for art, and some of my friends have works on display there. Even still, I've only wandered through its doors two times. Compare that to the restaurant next door, which I've visited at least fifty times by now. Based on that alone, it wouldn't take much consideration to decide which business is more deserving of the space.

I grew up in this town. I went to moon lake. I lived just behind Dessie's, in the middle of town. (Only people who have lived here long enough will know what that is.)

It makes me sad to see my town struggling to grow and failing to provide our kids with a place in our town as they become adults. There are too many of us who've had to leave in order to find enough financial success to be able to afford living in our own home town.

An art gallery is nice, sure. But that space could be repurposed for any number of useful functions that generate revenue for the town. There is a perfectly legitimate, successful restaurant with one of the most accomplished chefs in the county, if not the state right next door.

The space that the gallery currently occupies could be used by the restaurant to generate more revenue for the town, provide a greater avenue of social interaction for the townspeople, provide more jobs for the locals, and offer more accommodation for the people that find themselves spending time in our little town.

As for the art, the majority of the pieces can still be displayed, and in fact would enjoy significantly more views than the gallery, thus providing more sales and support for our local artisans. It is painfully obvious that an art gallery in that location is not doing much for our local economy. It's a shame to see self interests take priority over the progression of commerce.

To the owners of the Mentone Arts Center:

In case you haven't noticed, this town is in desperate need of more tax revenue. Why someone so financially successful would see fit to restrict one of the most viable and attractive businesses in our town in favor of an art gallery that does very little for the well being of the people it supposedly serves is unimaginable to me.

If you want to leave your mark on this town before you pass on, then spend your own money and build something that doesn't stand in the way of progress. Make room for other people to grow. Create a new space for artwork to thrive. Be a positive influence on the development of our community.

My generation and those who come after will have to live with whatever you choose to do now. You can be a blessing to this town, or you can be its curse. The...

This is a lovely local arts center with a wide array of work by local artists. The facility is large and well-lit. Works on display include original works such as painting, sculptures, jewelry, as well as gift items like local soaps and coffees, all created by regional artists. They also have creative workshops from time to time so be sure to ask about...

Very nice venue. Very nice proprietors. The Music was amazing. Thanks for including the Blues in your Art repertoire. Debby Bonds is such a talented Blues Artist. We felt fortunate to see her in such an...