One of the comments I hear frequently here is "This place is so unbelievable! But why do this here? why not open a place in _____ or ________ or __________, that's known for art? Why do this in conservative West Michigan" or, "Why not go where this would really be appreciated?" or several other variations on this theme...

A variety of answers generally come to mind (including, of course, a few "smartass" ones), but the answers are actually many and equally valid.

First of all, I live here and love it!! I'm an uprooted Chicago boy who was "economically- induced" to come here in the early eighties. In other words, my job/career thang was relocated here and, in order to keep it (and of course the accompanying paycheck) I followed. Boy was I in for a case of culture shock! But, on the other hand, I've never lived more than a stone's throw from Lake Michigan's great beaches since moving here, and all of the woodlands that surround us (or at least the ones that haven't been "developed/ de-evolut- ionized") are beautiful. Yeah, I still think Winter sucks but, ya can't have everything.

More importantly, it was after moving here that I began to discover the great "secret" of the West Michigan creative community. Nowhere in the country (or likely on the planet) is there more fertile ground being constantly sown with artistic activity and fiercely independent innovation in the creative arts. Now, ifya haven't spent some time here you might not believe me but, as any of the thousands of folks who've graced ThirdStone with their presence since we've opened in mid-96 would gladly tell you, it's really remarkable what's going on around here.

Another important factor in this whole discussion is a bit more personal. It was through meeting these same artists that I returned to making art after a hiatus of many years (Although I went to art school, I basically abandoned artistic pursuits for a twenty-plus years long career as a designer/engineer & corporate troglodyte. But, being in this environment with all of these creative spirits gave me the motivation and encouragement to get back to doing my art.

The really simple answer would be to say that ThirdStone should be here because almost every one of the artists I show are making this wonderful art right here in this area so, it should be shown here as well (tho' oddly enough, I never saw enough of it in the galleries here on a regular basis before opening this place). In fact, it was exactly that idea that motivated me to chuck my career in "Corporate America" and try to make a go of this instead..

The artistic community here is astounding. Nowhere have I experienced more openness and mutual support among the artists. That's largely why the work they produce is so good. Artists from wildly varying styles and disciplines can come together here and share what they do yet, instead of directly influencing each other, they somehow inspire each other to keep pushing what they each do further. I've never seen anything like that anywhere else.

Lastly, there simply isn't anywhere else I COULD do this because of these wondrous circumstances. For me, it's simple. I get to show the work I truly love that's also made by folks I love. It's almost too simple but it sure is a blast!

Anyway, I hope someday you'll get the chance to come here and experience it firsthand; I know you're in for a most pleasant surprise! In the meantime, I hope you'll enjoy your cruise around the ThirdStone site. In it, I've tried to supply a "taste" of the flavor you'll find here. Let me know what you think!

Bruce