Vision of Olean Our forefathers had the vision of Olean’s potential opportunity that lie ahead by using the natural environment that surrounded them. This is what made Olean successful 200 years ago, and this is what will lead Olean to a future of prosperity. The successful promotion of a city starts when you tap into the distinct qualities it has to offer. Olean’s uniqueness is its natural surroundings. Located in the valley, the panoramic beauty of the mountains that change with every season is a treasure. The Allegheny River borders our city, which is rich in history and was a major factor for the establishment of Olean. Diverse wildlife. And finally, Rock City Park, the “original” rock climbing adventure, with rock formations of which the likes will never be seen again. It will be these innate assets along with art and the history of this city that will pilot the campaign to revitalize Olean. Proposal A campaign to promote our natural surroundings with art and nature focusing on Olean as a destination for families to visit. To accomplish this, we divide the project in two phases. The first phase, the public art campaign and the second phase, a hands-on children’s learning museum that will also include the history of Olean. The community can benefit from public art in the following way: The public art project would be the catalyst for Olean to promote our natural surroundings. Olean will be the destination point, providing hotel accommodations, restaurants, shopping and public art. Rock City Park and the Allegany River Trail could also be used to promote Olean. Year round events such as Santa Clause Lane, The Blueberry Festival, Art in the Park and Taste of Olean would also be promoted for activities offered. Maps and brochures created to describe the display, mapping the sculpture’s location, crediting the local artist as well as the sponsors. Billboards on Route 86 promoting the display and the dates of various festivals held during the year. Public art in our community will create a sense of unity and pride that can be translated to many other public events for Olean, for example; festivals with the theme of wildlife, utilizing Oak Hill Park for children’s events in the summer and fall such as concerts and theater in the park. Public transportation could be offered during festival weeks to tour the sculptures on display. Create a “souvenir” or mascot, such as the squirrel that area business can sell. The museum would present nature and history in a fun and exciting approach with interactive displays. A studio where children could create art sculptures, learn how paper is made, paint and draw and have local artists hold teaching seminars for the children. Children can learn how music can be made from simple materials such as wood cylinders and rocks. A large model train set of Olean, featuring landmarks such as the hills and the Allegheny River. An interactive train engine that children could sit in. The list of activities is endless and learning from other children’s museums will prove to be a valuable asset. We will appeal to the historical aspect of Olean as well, which will interest adults. Olean is rich in history and our establishment is a story to be told. Our Historical Society should have involvement with this aspect of the museum. We could have a picture gallery of historic Olean, display artifacts significant to Olean. Create a small capacity theater that runs continuous movies that are nature based and informative and have exhibits that change every few months. Explain details of our unique environment, including the wildlife and trees indicative of this region. How the railroad was established. The importance of the early industries in Olean, such as logging, oil and tanneries and how the Allegheny River was a vital component in our settlement. Financially Sustaining the Museum Statistics show that museums are funded primarily by donations. There are many other ways to generate revenue as well, such as a fee for entrance, memberships, corporate sponsoring of the displays, honor walls, fund-raising events, partners, endowments, volunteers, gift shop and birthday parties. Successful museums in other cities will be able to offer valuable information as well.
Phase 1
The “Adopt a Squirrel Campaign” would be the first phase with a fund-raising effort to have public art on Union Street as well as the surrounding area, including Oak Hill Park, Lincoln Park and War Vets Park, entrances to the city and the Allegany River Trail. Public art is the product of public/private/civic partnerships that enable artist, sponsors, beneficiaries, merchants, businesses, art educators, governmental bodies and social groups to work together toward the common goal of enriching their community.
* Promote tourism and create joy
* Increase foot traffic into local stores and shops
* Raise funds for our local area
* Build a sense of community
* Enhance the visibility of local artists
* Beautify the business district
* Celebrate the “uniqueness” of the area
* Create goodwill for the sponsors
* Form a partnership among the business, art, social groups
and schools for mutual benefit.
Phase 2
The second phase is to establish a combination children’s learning museum and historical museum in Olean funded by state grants, fundraising, corporate sponsorship and donations. Primarily these museums are run by non-profit organizations or foundations established with the mission of promoting awareness in the community. A non-profit organization or foundation could be created for this project or possibly an existing organization in Olean may show interest. To be successful, the committee to motivate this project would include a diverse group of people interested in preserving Olean’s past history and future prosperity.