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Place for Makers with Mike Rancourt

L/A Arts is pleased to announce the Place for Makers discussion and networking series to be hosted at various locations throughout the Twin Cities. The series kicks off with Mike Rancourt of Rancourt & Co. Shoe Factory on March 29th from 6-8pm. Discussion topics include the need for workforce development and opportunities in LA.

The Place for Makers series focuses on introducing a new generation of artisan-makers to LA.
With support from the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grant and in collaboration with Maine College of Art, LAEGC, and the Pratt Institute, L/A Arts is launching a series of networking and professional development sessions that will gather artisans from around the state at key locations in LA to show off the resources, creative talent, potential live/work space, and business support services available here.

Upcoming events are scheduled for Wednesdays through the end of May. The schedule and registration links will be posted on the L/A Arts website and social media.

About L/A Arts:
L/A Arts has earned local, regional and national recognition for its model cultural programs in education, performance and community service. In recent years L/A Arts' role has evolved to work with regional and national arts agencies, municipal governments, businesses, local arts and cultural organizations and artists to create low barrier opportunities for community members across generations and socio-economic backgrounds to experience, learn, and participate in the arts. L/A Arts organizes arts programs and initiatives; bolsters the work of artists and arts organizations; and highlights the essential role the arts play in shaping an economically vital, socially integrated, and forward-looking future for our community.

About Rancourt & Co, Shoe Factory:
In the early 1950s David Rancourt left his home in Sherbrooke, QC Canada to learn the trade of shoemaking in Lewiston, Maine. By 1967 he had opened his own factory producing handmade moccasins. In 1970, his eldest son, Michael, joined him in the business. Together they grew the fledgling moccasin shop into a fully developed shoe factory producing luxury calfskin loafers for some of the best brands in the world. As a consequence of life's twists and turns, the factory changed ownership in the 1990's with Michael remaining at the helm. In 2008, the owners announced plans to close the operation in Lewiston, prompting Michael and his son Kyle to buy it back and launch Rancourt & Co. in 2009. Under the guidance of a new father-son partnership, Rancourt & Co. has continued the tradition of outstanding handsewn shoes while introducing the Blake construction which opened the door for boots, calfskin dress shoes and leather sneakers.