http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/storefront_1108.mp3
Area artists may soon have more options for studio space. Michele Skalicky reports.
VACANT BUILDINGS IN DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD WILL SOON SERVE AS TEMPORARY ARTIST STUDIOS. THE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL HOPES TO HAVE A BUILDING READY TO GO SOON FOR ITS NEW "STOREFRONT ARTIST STUDIOS" PROGRAM.
THE PROGRAM PAIRS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPERS WITH AREA ARTISTS TO CREATE MORE STUDIO SPACE. OWNERS OF VACANT BUILDINGS ARE BEING ASKED TO ALLOW ARTISTS TO WORK IN THAT SPACE UNTIL THE DEVELOPER FINDS A TENANT OR PURCHASER
SANDRA SMITH IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL. SHE SAYS THEY'VE BEEN WORKING ON THE PROGRAM FOR MORE THAN A YEAR NOW. ACCORDING TO SMITH, A BUILDING HAS BECOME AVAILABLE THAT WILL CONTAIN SPACE FOR 15 TO 18 ARTISTS. 7 ARTISTS SO FAR HAVE EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN IT.
EACH ARTIST THAT PARTICIPATES IN THE PROGRAM WILL PAY A $50 MONTHLY FEE AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO PUT DOWN A SECURITY DEPOSIT.
THE PUBLIC WILL BE PERMITTED TO VISIT THE STUDIOS TO WATCH ARTISTS CREATE THEIR WORK. SMITH SAYS THE STOREFRONT ARTIST STUDIOS PROGRAM WILL BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STOREFRONT ARTIST STUDIOS PROGRAM, CALL THE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL AT 862-ARTS.
