Several months ago, an invitation crossed my desk. The front of the card read, "Ever since 1983, critics have predicted that sooner or later Artspace would go south." The inside read, "Well, they couldn't have been more wrong."
The invitation announced the second phase of Artspace - the Artspace Rubber Company, to be constructed just one-half block "north" of the original building.A private, nonprofit organization, Artspace provides safe, affordable living and work space for Utah artists and their families.
For more than 10 years, Artspace's first project on Pierpont Avenue has been home for more than 30 artists. When Artspace Rubber Company is completed, an additional 53 living/working spaces will be available.
"We have always had a waiting list for space in our building," said Artspace director Stephen A. Goldsmith. "But once our waiting list went to over 100 people (now over 300), we realized it was time to attempt another project."
At the May 9 groundbreaking event for the second phase, U.S. Rep. Karen Shepherd said, "This wonderful project we call Artspace Rubber Company . . . will be a model for future revitalization projects across the country."
Since then, artists who are currently living and/or working in Artspace have been celebrating.
Last month they combined their creative talents to present a neighborhood street fair they titled "Celebrating the Wild Westside." The street in front of Artspace was closed to traffic Aug. 20 and 21 so 35 artists could exhibit and sell their works outside their studios. Also participating were restaurants, performing artists and top local bands.
Local artists living or working in the area bounded by North Temple to 400 South and West Temple to 500 West were invited to design an image for "Celebrating the Wild Westside." Paul Heath of Artspace submitted the winning design; it adorned not only the T-shirt but also posters announcing the event.
Although the fair is over, the celebration continues, thanks to Art Access Gallery director Ruth Lubbers.
Recognizing the incredible amount of talent and diversity among Artspace artists, Lubbers opened gallery doors to 29 of them so they could display some of their best, most current work. Filling the gallery are paintings, mixed-media works, ceramics, sculpture, photography, quilting and stained glass.
Lubbers said, "This exhibit . . . provides the public an opportunity to view the work of Artspace artists all in one place."
But the exhibit does more than that. These innovative works are visual evidence of why Artspace continues to remain strong and vital.
Step inside the gallery and immediately you'll be drawn to brightly colored works: Kerry Buxton and Brad Taylor's ceramic "Chupar"; John Wayne Cook's mixed-media work "Crossing the Line"; Diane Douglas' recycled glass sculptures "Beer Bottle Polka I, II, III"; Jacqueline Bunnell/Durand's mixed-media painting "Monday Morning"; and Paul Heath's T-shirt design and painting "Artspace Garden."
Tongue-in-cheek creations include Lori Mehan's fanciful ceramic horse and Bunnell/Durand's "Needle Point Chair," in which the artist has drilled dozens of holes and glued knitting needles in them.
Some sculptures are much more impressive without bright colors. Jim Avati, Brent Gehring and Stephen Goldsmith are more interested in the visual impact of shape and texture.
Photography doesn't take a back seat in this exhibit, even though edges are often soft and colors subtle. And the black-and-white photographs are impressive.
Lubbers invites you to see these - and much more - at Art Access Gallery, 399 W. Pierpont (250 South), 328-0703. The exhibit, sponsored by the Downtown Alliance, will continue to brighten the gallery through September.