New owner of 196-200 Elm wants to create a collaborative artists' space

[ron_newman]

from the Somerville Arts Council mailing list:

Dear Somerville Artisan,

I would like to create an artist collaborative in Davis Square. I am the owner of the building at 196-200 Elm Street, the former home of the Caning Shoppe. The location for the art collaborative will be at the newly created 198 Elm St, a 1700 s.f. retail location with lots of light and a new glass entrance and HC ramp ( in process) facing Davis Sq.

The space lends itself to up to 12 artisans, with the size of space ranging from 60 s.f. to 160 s.f. Some spaces are enclosed, others are open and would be defined by your counters. Drop-up and pick-up space is available on the side of the building and storage is available in the basement. The rent is approximately $350 per month for smaller spaces. Price includes rent, taxes, utilities and basement storage area, pick-up/delivery space and shared customer parking.

I would like to try the art collaborative over the Holiday season this year, with the hope that artists may chose to stay on.

Please let me know if you have any interest in this art collaborative. I would be happy to show you the space and hear your thoughts.

The space should be finished on or about Nov. 15

Look forward to hearing from you soon,

For more information or to discuss please contact Sharon:
Sharon Cerny
smcerny@aol.com

Comments

[ifotismeni]

very interesting....

[ron_newman]

I e-mailed her and asked if she's trying to create a smaller version of Artisan's Asylum. It's not clear what sort of shared equipment the artisans will have, if any.

[teko.livejournal.com]

So I guess the plans for a sporting goods store fell through?

[ron_newman]

She has subdivided the space. Knucklebones is building in the other half.

[teko.livejournal.com]

Wow, I never realized how big that space must be inside. The customer area for the Caning Shop was so small. Looking forward to what both places do with the space.

[turil.livejournal.com]

Just for clarification, is this supposed to be a store, where artists sell stuff? Is it a shared coop type store, where people take a shift and staff the store periodically? Or selling things independently? Or is this a studio type space, where people just use the space to produce/store art?

[ron_newman]

I know nothing more than what I've posted. You'll have to ask her (and then report back what she says).