CPA Letter of Support-Linda Post.docxTo the Northampton, MA CPA Committee
As an artist, forty-year resident of Northampton, and founder and director of the Paradise City Arts Festival, I would like to voice my support for the R. Michelson Galleries façade
restoration.
I have known Rich Michelson for almost 40 years. He has exhibited my work at his gallery since it first opened. He has been supportive of the Paradise City Festival as he has of many
other organizations that have helped define Northampton as a cultural destination, bringing innumerable art lovers to the area. These are the people that frequent our restaurants and
shops, and help support the local economy.
Rich has been a friend and supporter to the business and the arts community, both with his time and expertise. I have also attended many receptions at his gallery hosted by the area
non-profits. Rich is always willing to loan his space to help others raise money that goes back into the community. It is difficult to imagine Northampton without the venerable R.
Michelson Galleries at center stage.
The arts drive the local economy. The expenses of running a successful gallery (or any arts-centric business, as I know from running the Paradise City Arts Festival for 27 years) are
ongoing and extensive. Adding the burden of restoring a historic property can easily start a long running successful business on the road to failure. Without public support too many
historic buildings lose character. As R Michelson Galleries is a primary destination for cultural tourism, it seems particularly important that the historic value of its building be
preserved.
I urge the CPA and the City of Northampton lend their support to this restoration project.
Linda Post
Artist and Founding Director of Paradise City Arts Festival
525 Park Hill Rd.
Florence, MA 01062