With its annual tour of open galleries and thriving art scene, Gowanus is on its way to being the next DUMBO. And on Feb. 1, the ’hood will get another step closer with the opening of the Gowanus Studio Space.
Founded by painter Angela Conant and industrial designer Ben Cohen, the 5,000-square-foot space is meant to serve as a hub for the neighborhood’s legion of creative and crafty denizens.
“We wanted a way to provide artists and designers with the types of things that they need and are the hardest to come by,” Conant said. “Mainly work space, but also tools and equipment and a community of other artists.”
On Friday, the space, which already has 30 members — membership runs from $50 to $300 per month and can include 24-hour access to studio space as well as use of common areas and tools — including Kate Elliot, whose “Camouflage” is above, will have a kick-off party to introduce itself to neighbors, but Conant said that it won’t be the space’s only public event.
“We’ll have events like gallery shows and workshops that use the facilities and expertise of our members — everything from woodworking to printmaking and boat building,” she said. “We want to have interesting things to offer the community. We want to be a public resource as well as a resource for our members.”
The Gowanus Studio Space (119 Eighth St. between Second and Third avenues in Gowanus) will host its opening party at 6 pm on Feb. 1. For information, call (347) 351-5753 or visit www.gowanusstudio.org.
