An artist-run gallery has moved into new space on the city's west side.
Current Space opened its doors to the public at 421 N. Howard Street this month after nearly six years at 30 S. Calvert Street.
The new spot is conveniently located near the Light Rail, and restaurants in Mount Vernon, Current Co-director Monique Crabb says. "Downtown closed down at night. It's nice to be in an area where there's an audience around us."
It's also close to the Enoch Pratt Library and the artist warehouse the H&H building, the site of many art shows and music events.
"We're really excited about the location," Crabb says.
Current artists pay just utilities and property taxes � about $6,000 a year � and is getting the space free of rent from the city. Downtown Partnership of Baltimore Inc. and the Baltimore Development Corporation helped the artists find the new space. The move highlights how the city is encouraging artists to move into areas with vacant buildings with the hopes that it will jumpstart development.
Eventually, the artists will have to move if a developer takes an interest in the area. "It's a win-win situation except we will be asked to leave," Crabb says.
Right now, the artists expect to stay in the space for at least a year and a half.
The gallery displays the work of photographers, printmakers and videographers whose work is not very commercial. Most of the work is not sellable, because the work includes videos and major installations.
"We don't target the audience looking to buy art work," Crabb says. "We wish we sold more stuff and make more money. It's more about including the artists' community but not so much in a commercial way."
Source: Monique Crabb, Current Space
Writer: Julekha Dash