Columbia’s Former Police Substation Gets a Colorful New Life as Artist Studios!
In the heart of Columbia, a vibrant transformation is taking place at the corner of Assembly and Taylor streets. What once served as a police substation is now being repurposed into a creative haven for artists, thanks to an innovative partnership that aims to tackle the ongoing challenge of affordable studio space in the area.
A Bright Idea for Local Artists
According to Xavier Blake, who leads the city-funded arts nonprofit OneColumbia, the city has long struggled with a shortage of accessible studio spaces for artists. But with the opening of this new artist studio, a spark of hope is on the horizon. Blake is thrilled about the possibilities this space creates, especially since the nonprofit has teamed up with the city to offer three emerging artists free workspaces for an entire year!
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann beamed with excitement, stating that this project is just the beginning. “It’s our first step in a trendy initiative to convert vacant properties across Columbia into dynamic spaces for local artists,” he revealed. The best part? The city owns the property, meaning it can be leased to OneColumbia for five years at no cost, making it financially viable to support local talent without charging them a dime!
A Fresh Coat of Paint & New Mural
The exterior of the former substation has already received a stunning makeover, courtesy of local artist Dogon Krigga. He collaborated with business owner and photographer Jared Johnson to create a colorful collage that adorns the building’s facade, setting the tone for a creative community within.
This studio is designed with emerging artists in mind, offering them the vital foundation they need to thrive in their artistic journey. With the hefty burden of rent lifted, these talented folks can dive head-first into their creativity. Blake explained, “Removing the workspace burden lets these artists focus on their craft, and that’s where the magic happens!”
A Plan to Keep the Arts Blooming
Rickenmann emphasized that this studio is just “planting a seed” for future art initiatives. He aims to work with real estate companies to fill empty storefronts and buildings with artists, even if it’s just for a short period. “This is a fantastic way to inject life into our community and give artists the exposure they deserve,” he said.
As they prepare to open soon (stay tuned!), the artist studios are already providing a nurturing environment for creators like Yeshaya Drayton, Jordan Johnson, and Victoria Rickards. These talented individuals will also contribute to the community by hosting monthly events—think classes, talks, and more—to further activate the space.
Artists Reflect on Their New Space
For Drayton, this opportunity represents a chance to reconnect with his artistic voice after working nearly a decade on client-based projects. Now he can explore different mediums and paint whenever inspiration strikes, even after his late-night job shifts!
Rickards, a graduate student in lighting design, is buzzing with excitement. “Having a studio close to the museum means no more hauling my art around!” she exclaimed. Plus, she’s eager to utilize the studio’s location near the popular Soda City Market to make her creations more accessible to the community. “It allows us to open our doors to the public and connect with our audience more easily,” she added.
Johnson, focusing on portraiture and figure drawing, is soaking up the influence from his fellow artists while also nurturing his dream of teaching. “I want to learn more about my craft while being here,” he said, nodding towards the collaborative atmosphere they are building.
Fostering an Artsy Economy
Beyond individual growth, this studio aims to bolster the local economy through the arts. The city is actively brainstorming new strategies that incorporate policy and available properties to support the artistic community. While Blake acknowledged that the Taylor Street studio isn’t a complete solution to the affordable space issue, he believes it’s an exciting start.
“This won’t fix everything,” Blake admitted. “But we’re headed in the right direction.” And with plans for another privately funded studio space, Gemini Arts, to open in Rosewood in the upcoming months, the hopes continue to rise for Columbia’s burgeoning artist scene.
As the local community embraces this fresh vision for the former police substation, the excitement builds around the possibilities for artistic collaboration, creativity, and growth. Columbia is clearly ready to paint its future with a splash of color and imagination!
