Art House
Collectives allow artists to rent studios, collaborate
The Port City area houses many categories of artists from filmmakers to crafters, and with the recent expansion of local art collectives, more artists are renting spaces to house their projects.
In addition to working studios, these collectives often offer access to galleries, retail spaces, and the chance to collaborate with other creative minds.
ACME ART STUDIOS, 711 North Fifth Avenue, sits in the Brooklyn Arts district. Originally a warehouse, the building and its rebirth initiated the trend of salvaging old factories for art’s sake. The individual spaces differ depending on the artist’s needs, and the rent varies depending on the dimensions.
Multimedia artist Michelle Connolly joined the Acme group after moving to Wilmington nearly seven years ago. Acme allowed Connolly to begin her journey as a full-time artist while juggling her responsibilities as a mother.
“Working at home, you have to be very disciplined,” Connolly says. “I was always getting in trouble not being able to spill paint on the dining room table.”
Although Connolly occasionally experiences distractions caused by many artists working under one roof, she enjoys the creative energy produced by “being around people’s stuff.”
While artists also sell art pieces at other locations, the collectives offer them a place to curate shows and exhibit their own work.
The ARTWORKS owner Jim Knowles hopes that his collective will not only provide a creative environment but also give back to the community by generating jobs. Knowles, who formerly worked in international sales and marketing, says he acts as a business mentor for the artists.
He plans to expand the model into an “international destination” by adding an art supply store, multi-purpose venue, artist exchange program, and – maybe – coffee house. Studios became available in the fall, and as construction continues, the ArtWorks will offer thirty to fifty spaces in a building at 200 Willard Street neighboring Greenfield Lake.
“We’re creating an art village in hopes that Wilmington can be an art colony,” Knowles says.
THE ART FACTORY, opened in 2012 at 721 Surry Street, was designed with similar thoughts in mind – hopes for a river arts district. Collage artist and renter Elizabeth Singletary says she appreciates the collective’s location in close view of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
“Sometimes I’ll take a break and go out and sit and look at the river,” Singletary says.
But Singletary’s studio provides more than a place to get messy or inspired. She treats the space like an office with regular hours.
“Being at home, there’s always that temptation to fold laundry,” she says. “If you’re paying rent, it’s almost validating. It’s not just a craft hobby you’re doing. This is my office. This is my job.”
To see more of photographer Katherine Clark's work, go to www.katherineclarkphotography.com.
