A New Artists' Studio Space to Open in Burlington's South End | Arts News | Seven Days | Vermont's Independent Voice

Seven Days needs your support!

A New Artists' Studio Space to Open in Burlington's South End 

State of the Arts

Published February 20, 2013 at 11:01 a.m.

Christy Mitchell
  • Christy Mitchell

In Burlington’s South End, a creative-economy hotbed, an artrepreneur is spreading her wings — again. Christy Mitchell, director of the S.P.A.C.E. and Backspace galleries at 266 Pine, took on a managerial role last fall across the street at Studio 266 (South Champlain Street), a warren of artist studios in a former Curtis Lumber building. This spring, she’s developing eight more artist spaces in rooms behind Feldman’s Bagels.

The former Champlain Valley Auto building — across from the Cumberland Farms gas station and convenience store, further south on Pine — is a capacious, industrial-looking structure with high ceilings, steel beams, concrete floors and a towering (grandfathered-in) sign by the street. While the front of the building will soon be occupied by Roy and Maddy Feldman’s bagel bakery, the back, with four garage bays, will be divided into artist studios that Mitchell will manage. The studios will have a common hallway, Wi-Fi and shared heat, bathrooms and kitchen, she says. Mitchell is calling the space Satellite Arts — launched from S.P.A.C.E., get it?

While her opening is scheduled for May 1, Mitchell is planning an event on March 21 that further plays with the space theme. March 21, after all, is “3-2-1 — blast off!” She says there will be a parade down Pine Street from S.P.A.C.E. to Satellite — participants will be encouraged to wear space-inspired costumes — with food and music, and an art exhibit and a photo booth awaiting at Satellite down the road.

When Roy Feldman approached Mitchell (the two were executive and associate director, respectively, of the South End Arts and Business Association a year or so back), she says, “I couldn’t really say no. I didn’t know if I was ready, but when an opportunity comes up…”

Now, she adds, “I can’t even stop thinking of new ways to collaborate with other South End people. Starting a place like this really helps artists to get themselves out there.”

Accordingly, Mitchell has issued a call to artists — with a space theme.

Satellite Arts will open on May 1 at 660 Pine Street. The pre-party and fundraiser will be March 21, 6 to 9 p.m., with a parade beginning at S.P.A.C.E. Gallery. $25 ticket helps fund the construction of working artists’ studios. Call-to-artist info at spacegalleryvt.com/call-to-artists.

Got something to say? Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!

About The Author

Pamela Polston

Pamela Polston

Bio:
Pamela Polston is a cofounder and the Art Editor of Seven Days. In 2015, she was inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame.

Comments


Comments are closed.

From 2014-2020, Seven Days allowed readers to comment on all stories posted on our website. While we've appreciated the suggestions and insights, right now Seven Days is prioritizing our core mission — producing high-quality, responsible local journalism — over moderating online debates between readers.

To criticize, correct or praise our reporting, please send us a letter to the editor or send us a tip. We’ll check it out and report the results.

Online comments may return when we have better tech tools for managing them. Thanks for reading.

Keep up with us Seven Days a week!

Sign up for our fun and informative
newsletters:

All content © 2023 Da Capo Publishing, Inc. 255 So. Champlain St. Ste. 5, Burlington, VT 05401

Advertising Policy  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us  |  About Us  |  Help
Website powered by Foundation