A new community-engaged art collective opened its doors on Grand Avenue Friday, displaying a “co-working space for the arts” as a home for artists to work in a collaborative environment.
Grand ArtHaus’ First Friday debut showcased not only the art but the artists at work.
Co-founders Robert Gentile, Laura Dragon and Michael Viglietta debuted the space. Unhappy with the impact of development in Roosevelt Row, they are hoping that their space becomes a symbol for artists in the Phoenix community.
“I think Roosevelt Row has kind of lost a little bit of its luster as far as being an underground type of art scene,” Gentile said. “Grand Avenue is kind of picking up where they have dropped off a little bit.”
Mata Ruda, one of the artists in the collective, said amid development near Roosevelt Street, he finds hope in Grand Avenue and Grand ArtHaus as a symbol of artists banding together.
“I think just having a hold on maybe a block is a powerful thing for the arts community,” Ruda said. “I think artists have to come together to make sure that they hold down their influence.”
Community is one of the intended focuses of Grand ArtHaus. Artists in the collective are reviewed and selected by a panel. Once chosen, they work and create in the space, displaying their work at two group shows and one solo show in the span of a year.
The collective hosts up to 12 members at one time. All artists are encouraged to feed off each other and work in a cooperative, communal space.
The artists hope to draw community members in through shows, workshops and gatherings. Work will be displayed every First and Third Friday of the month.
“It’s like a really awesome opportunity to extend any conversation or interest or social interaction,” Ruda said. “It’ll be like a show but also a conversation and also a little more casual. I like having that duality.”
Gentile worked up until the opening to prepare Grand Arthaus for the community. He said he hopes the public will take advantage of the welcoming space they have developed, ask questions, attend events and embrace the artistic community.
“There’s a lot of creative individuals on Grand Avenue,” Gentile said. “And being able to work together and make this something special, is the goal. And hopefully that will boil over into the community as downtown as a whole where it’s not just Roosevelt or Grand; it’s the entire downtown scene.”
Contact the reporter at Catherine.Hathaway@asu.edu.
