A conversation begun on Twitter the other night on the topic of low cost studios (#lowcoststudio)- mainly, how do the majority of artists (when I say majority here, I mean the ones who don’t necessarily make a living from their art) find the space to do their work. This usually involves a converted space in the home, such as a basement or garage. I painted out of my basement for four years and it worked out well for me, except for the typical onset of cabin fever. Anyway, I tweeted that I rent space from a church, and pay them in art. That had a few of you curious and wishing for a bit of elaboration. Here, I offer a little bit of insight and some images for you.
Seattle First Church of the Nazarene is in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, about three miles from my home in north Seattle. It’s a 15 minute walk from my home to catch a bus for a quick 10 minute ride the rest of the way. They are not a large community, but they are active, taking full advantage of their large 1950s church building. Four other communities, including two Asian-speaking churches, use the building for worship. Converted offices are rented out to non profits like Beyond Malibu. Several other community groups use the space for practices, such as the Washington Scottish Pipe Band (who practice on Thursday nights – a great time to be in the studio, as the bagpipes are LOUD and beautiful).
The church also has a space that they’ve designated as an artist studio, which I’ve taken pics of and posted here. It’s really a great space, as you can see. High ceilings, lots of light, tons of space. I share it with another artist, and we’ve cordoned it off so that we each work on opposite ends of the room, with the middle being kind of a “living room” with chairs and a couch. I also hang work on that wall, which I suppose serves as kind of a viewing area.
It’s not perfect – the windows are west facing, so at sunset you get blazing sun coming in. It’s unheated, which in the winter is not fun. On hot days during the summer, it gets up to 90 degrees on the inside! And the floor may or may not be asbestos – I just leave it alone. It’s all part of the whole package though, and I love it.
So, the rent arrangement. As I said in my tweet, I pay in art. Twice a year, the church commissions me to make a painting for them, which I do and give to them. I’ll usually speak to the community on a Sunday about the painting as well. The church in this way has over the last few years built up a nice collection of artwork. Outside of the artwork I make for the church, I have full autonomy to make my work in the space at any time.
That’s the deal. I am fortunate and blessed to have such a great space at the cost (though the cost is relative – the last painting the church received I had a really difficult time parting with). I’m hoping to do an open house in the next couple of months, inviting the community out to get an inside look at what we are doing and working on. Details for that will come as they are hammered out.
