In pursuing that elusive quality – vibrancy – that regularly seems at the heart of successful cities, Memphis, like many mid-sized cities, searches often for the magic of big projects and major public investments.

The irony is that vibrancy often stems from small-scale, organic activities like those organized in Memphis by Lantana Projects.

Propelled by the goal of making art appear in surprising places, the group recently unveiled an outdoor art installation by 54-year-old Amsterdam artist Eric Knoote as part of a month-long residency in Memphis.

“From the Underground Up” was installed on the side of a building at a major downtown intersection, Main and Jefferson, and it features a number of mirrored flowers reflecting outward into the neighborhood.

It seems to symbolize Lantana’s approach to art – taking it to the street, producing “art-based events” rather than “art exhibits.” Recently, its members have even thrown in some “guerilla gardening” as they set out flower plants – what else but lantanas – to beautify previously dreary public space.

Julie G., July 31, 2007

The town I live in, Redwood City, CA is undergoing a renaissance. A revitalized downtown with an emphasis on the arts is the catalyst. Bringing activities, events, stores, businesses that you won't find in suburban sprawl is key. Not that you don't need basic services and amenities, you do. but what draws people back is finding somehting they can't get elsewhere.

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