PRESERVATION
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for the Art Village and a place for visitors to explore and
reflect,” Power said.
VILLAGE CORNERSTONE
“Across the street are some empty lots that fellow artist
Robert Brulotte, a renowned woodworker, will develop into
three or four artisan studios and office space arts village,”
Power continued. “This intersection of 19th Street and 18th
Avenue will be the cornerstone and heart and soul of the village.
We also envision brick walkways with each brick bearing
the name of a donor and even streets named after local
philanthropists. This art village will ultimately be attractive
to world class artists and a destination place to visit.”
Once the idea of an art village took hold, the group looked
for an area that needed improvement and the old Edgewood
community just west of the popular art district in downtown
Vero was a perfect fit. Edgewood has been a community of
firsts since it was established in 1916. It was home to Vero’s
first hospital, Vero’s first public school, Vero’s first motel and
now Vero’s first art village. Time and neglect has taken its toll
on the historical community but the grassroots art project is
hoping to change that.
The Art Village plan reflects the principle of retrofitting
rather than redevelopment and envisions a walkable collection
of historical homes, art studios and galleries, cafes, restaurants,
book stores, healing arts and related small businesses.
Vibrant murals will be painted on weathered walls, new
historical street signs and period street lamps will be installed,
giving new life to the declining neighborhood. There
is dedicated green space for gatherings like art shows, music
>> Robert Brulotte will develop three or four artisan studios.
Privacy fences are transformed into eye-catching murals throughout the art village.