Two Des Moines artists, Michael Lane and Eric Wickes, have formed the East Village Art Coalition, a networking group for artists. The Business Record spoke with Lane about the organization and its goals.

Q: How did this organization get started?

A: We really felt there was a need for a contemporary arts organization in Des Moines. We were missing some of the cultural opportunties, and the chance to get to know other artists. … It’s all about educating and empowering artists in Des Moines so they can become more visible and successful.

Q: What are your backgrounds?

A: I moved into the Village last September. Eric and I are next-door neighbors. I’m trying to be a full-time artist. I’m working at Des Moines Art Center on the faculty as a drawing and painting instructor, and for American Intercontintental University, an online school. I’m originally from Des Moines. I went to the University of Minnesota and then on to New York University for my master’s in painting and envronmental art. Eric, who is from Philadelphia, has studied at several art schools around the country. He has exhibited at shows in Europe, and worked as a private instructor in Los Angeles. We both do large-scale abstract paintings.

Q: How many artists are involved in the Coalition? What sort of activities are planned?

A: We just had our first meeting a couple of weeks ago. Even though it was Super Bowl Sunday and the big snowstorm, we still had 15 people. We’re looking to have 40 people at our next meeting, which will be at Basil Prosperi’s on Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. We’ll be establishing a permanent schedule of meetings at this meeting. We’re really building from the ground up right now. Our first show will be in late April or early May. Bernie Van Till (managing director of Capitol Lofts) has donated space for our first exhibit. It’s going to be at East Third Street and Court Avenue, in a warehouse space.

Q: What are some of the greatest challenges local artists face?

A: There’s a challenge to get to know other artists in Des Moines. There’s not a venue for artists to get together and discuss their work. Also, we feel the established galleries in Des Moines don’t provide an opportunity to show the work of emerging artists. And (there’s a need for) educating them in terms of being an artist and furthering their career. (For instance,) “Here’s how you write a grant,” or, “Here are marketing approaches for presenting your work.” We’re really trying to take a holistic approach. … We’re definitely about being a service to the artist, but also bridging that gap between art and the community in Des Moines.

For more information on the East Village Art Coalition, call Michael Lane at 288-8062 or Eric Wickes at 288-8306.