Artspace Shops Crookston!

We ended the Artspace Visit with some shopping, some talking, and some fun in Crookston!  First stop, Willow & Ivy, then Widman's Candy shop of course, we went to Montague's Floral, then headed out to "A" Street to visit the Krazy Kiln and the Bridge Street Candle Shop.  Wish we had time for more!

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ARTSPACE Visit brings light to Crookston

It started with a tour of one of our most outstanding historic downtown buildings, the Fournet Building which caused oohs and ahhs as Crookston Leaders were allowed to imagine what living must have been like around the large centrum filled with natural light from three large skylights which you could reach through your own screen door or window.  Shared spaces like this is what artists love in their live/work spaces.

Pictured are City Administrator, Aaron Parrish, Chamber Director, Lori Wagner, and custodian, Roger Corbin as they tour this "amazing" downtown historic building, thanks to Lutie Johnson, owner and artist herself.  From there we quickly toured the Union Building and headed to the Crookston Public Library sunroom to meet local and area artists.  Quickly the needs of the artist were made clear:  practicing spaces, smaller performing spaces (200 seats), a place to gather and share ideas, a civic theater, and a civic arts space for community ed, after school,and summer programming for youth.

Wendy Holmes and Roy Close from Artspace, shed more light on how they develop live/work affordable housing for artists.  If the community is willing to do a market survey to determine how many units will be feasible for Crookston, they could pursue developing the right sized project here.  What is unique about their projects is that they own and operate them as well as develop, construct, and rent up the project. With laughter and fun they explained their challenges and success stories.  One thing is for sure, we need to plan a trip to Fergus Falls to visit the Kaddatz Artist Lofts.  Or if you are traveling to Brainerd, Duluth, or the Twin Cities this summer be sure to check out their website, www.artspace.org, to visit one or more of their developments.  Watch for more posts on this "amazing" visit to Crookston that was full of fun, serious moments, sparkle and vision.

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What does Artspace do on their Crookston Visit?

Artspace Projects will:

• Assign Artspace Projects' staff to conduct the preliminary assessment;

• Work with Kay Hegge (or assignee) and the Foundation to set dates and determine and

refine the agenda for the two-days and to help identify key participants;

• Review available documents for the potential site(s), including site map(s), concept

and/or floor plans;

• Review existing artist survey results and city redevelopment or planning documents

and/or other appropriate existing studies;

• Tour the identified site as well as the surrounding neighborhood, existing arts districts

and/or facilities. Walk the site and building with key members of the planning/core team
and an architect if active on the project and an historic preservation representative (if
applicable);

• Meet with the project leaders to discuss current programs, project concept and planning

completed to date and recommended to move the project forward;

• Meet with key city (city council, mayor, city manager), county and/or state leadership.

This meeting would include a presentation with case studies and an open discussion
intended to answer questions, educate about arts development and civic involvement, and
understand the vision and/or concerns of elected officials;

• Meet with potential local/state public and private funders and economic development

officials, to discuss affordable arts facility development, available funding sources and
tools, and gauge support for the project. This leadership group should include: local or
state level historic preservation representative (if applicable) city/county economic
redevelopment staff, leaders in the local/regional philanthropic community, private
banking, and arts/cultural funding communities;

•  Meet with a diverse cross section of artists and representatives of arts organizations who

may participate in this project’s programs. Artist representatives should include emerging
and established artists of all ages, artists of various disciplines (performance, visual,
literary etc). Organizations may include artist collectives, theatre/music/dance companies,
educational organizations and institutions, local galleries etc.;

•  Host a community forum to discuss arts development around the country and the

community and economic development impact as it may relate to the proposed project,
and to solicit input from the arts and general community;

• Meet with the key stakeholder/core group to discuss the focus group meetings, answer

questions and share initial impressions from the visit;

• Meet with other focus groups or individuals that are key to the project’s development and

agreed to by the Foundation and Artspace, and;

• Summarize findings in a written executive summary report.

"Artspace" is Coming!

 

The Kaddatz Artist Lofts in Fergus Falls, developed by "Artspace!"

YES, the nationally known, non-profit developer, "Artspace" is coming to Crookston on April 14 and 15th!  Mark your calendars now for this great two day visit funded by the Laura J. Musser Fund.  The grant was written by community leaders, Dan Johanneck, Wayne Melbye, Joyce Johnson, James Kent, Sandy Kegler,  Sonia Spaeth, and Kay Hegge. The two-person Artspace team will be visiting with local leaders, artists, and the community about the housing and artistic needs of artists and how they can bring new life to historic downtown.  They will be looking at and studying the potential of three to five sites! one of which is the Palace/Wayne Hotel!   Here is their mission from their website:  www.artspace.org.

The Artspace Mission

Artspace’s mission is to create, foster, and preserve affordable space for artists and arts organizations. We pursue this mission through development projects, asset management activities, consulting services, and community-building activities that serve artists and arts organizations of all disciplines, cultures, and economic circumstances. By creating this space, Artspace supports the continued professional growth of artists and enhances the cultural and economic vitality of the surrounding community.

Artspace does incredible projects all over the nation and they are located right here in Minnesota!  Check it out today:  www.artspace.org!