Canisius College Struggles to Help Local Astist…the Business First Article
Clark Banach has a soft spot in his heart for struggling artists.
Banach, his sister and business partner Dean Bourque are all artists who have experienced the challenges of trying to make a living as a full-time artist. Banach knows how tough it is. That’s why in 2006 he founded Creative Hope - a nonprofit agency to help those in underserved communities explore and develop their art and music skills.
“I have to sit here and read spreadsheets all day,” he said. “I don’t mind, but if I had my (way), I’d be performing or doing poetry or something like that. I want to produce opportunities for artists, who have the best stories to tell.”
Last year was an organizing year for Creative Hope, which offers resources for those locally seeking to express themselves: an art gallery, art production and merchandising company and a Web content management company. An Erie, Pa.-based recording studio is also part of the mix.