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My Dear Art Friends,
Many of you have visited my Studio & Gallery. While you were here I'm guessing you visited the Frankfort Beach on Lake Michigan, pictured above. I often walk to this beach several times a day, all year round. Yesterday, I encountered the stakes that you see in the photos I've posted here.
The stakes show the location of a permanent, plumbed bathroom on the beachfront, construction of which now appears imminent. They also indicate the end of a long process in which Roo, I, and many other residents opposed the placement of a permanent bathroom on Lake Michigan. Sadly, we failed.
As many of the meetings to address this issue took place during the pandemic, on Zoom-calls, I realize you may not be aware that this was in the works. I wanted to let you know now in case you have something you'd like to tell city officials in regards to the placement of this bathroom. (You don't have to be a Frankfort resident to weigh in. One rationale given for this bathroom had to do with fulfilling the desire of our Visitors'.)
As an artist, my job is all about Beauty. (My Muse is "The Queen of Happiness & Beauty!") I've painted Frankfort beach many times (see bathroom-free version below). When I took the photos above, however, all I could see is the Beauty that won't be seen once the bathroom is built. Imagine! Every lighthouse shot you take will have a much-larger-than-a-portajohn bathroom in it! Every view from the Pier will make a pit stop there. As with many other unpleasant things in life, one will likely accommodate to this intrusive structure; for now, my sense of Beauty is in shock.
Thanks for considering my views--I now feel I've done my bit. If you're inclined to comment on this undertaking--maybe you're a big fan!--you can follow this link to send an email to the Frankfort officials responsible for this project. (There's a City Council meeting this afternoon @ 5:00 pm.)
With all best wishes,
Ellie
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