by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
In October 2006, a group of local artists moved easels and paint boxes into a small space at The Carling on West Adams Street.
The artists had negotiated an arrangement with the property owner to use the space to work and to exhibit for the cost of utilities and a little rent.
They were “off the grid” Downtown before the term referred to the program to match artists looking for low-cost space with property owners who had vacant space they were willing to lease on a short-term basis.
Within a few months, the group took the name “Art Center Cooperative” and incorporated as a 501c3.
They also moved into another space at The Carling, and then established a second location on East Bay Street. The second space later was relocated to a loft on Hogan Street near Hemming Plaza.
Art Center Cooperative III debuted at First Wednesday Art Walk with a reception at the 30-member group’s new gallery at the Bank of America Tower.
“This is our premier gallery. It’s where we’ll show our artists’ high-end work and pieces intended for the commercial decorating market.
“It‘s a completely new atmosphere for us,” said Art Center President Mary Atwood, a fine-art photographer.
The Adams Street location will be staffed by volunteers and will open mainly by appointment, while the Hogan Street center will be used for working studios that are available to any local artist with membership in the cooperative.
The Bank of America gallery will be used for themed shows and will be open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and by appointment, said Atwood.
Now with three studio and gallery options, the cooperative is ready to serve more members.
“Our goal is to provide as many services to our members as possible, especially emerging artists that other galleries might not show,” she said.
“We‘re open to just about anything. We like to stretch boundaries,” said Atwood.
The next First Wednesday Art Walk is 5-9 p.m. Aug. 3 when “Pop Up Galleries” are scheduled to debut.
356-2466