Val and Armin spent an enjoyable afternoon with Cindy Patrick and William Mays of the Port Austin Artist Residency Program. Val is spending two weeks in the residency program and staying at the history Bee Barn, the headquarters for the program. Port Austin is very much an artist-centric community with projects ranging from architecturally converted barns, to sculpture gardens, residency programs and symphonic concerts. This small village of 700 is encouraging artists to visit and for art collectors to think about visiting this beautiful spot on Lake Huron. Economic growth for rural America can learn a lot from Port Austin as art increases economic growth when it has a viable and vibrant presence in communities.  Here are a few links:

https://portaustinair.org for Port Austin Residency Program

http://www.thumbartsguild.org Link for Thumb Arts Guild

https://www.facebook.com/mermaidscove.portaustin    The Cove Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/whitechurchgallery.   White Church Gallery

https://portaustinmusic.com/porch-fest    Link to Porch Fest on June 25, 2022