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The Local Artists Behind These 4 New Arts Venues
Transforming old, forgotten spaces into promising new venues
This article originally appeared in the May 2015 issue of Seattle magazine.
While shiny new buildings crowd the Seattle skyline, local artists are moving into old forgotten spaces—and transforming them into promising new arts venues.
1. Ballard Homestead
6451 Jones Ave. NW in Ballard, built in 1923, open since March
Most recently: Church of the Nazarene
Who’s behind it: Abbey Arts, the people behind Fremont Abbey Arts Center
Focus: Live music comcerts, literary classes, cultural events (also available as a rental event space)
Upcoming shows: May 8, local alt-country singer Courtney Marie Andrews; May 9, Seattle indie rocker Julia Massey
ballardhomestead.org
2. The Factory
1216 10th Ave. on Capitol Hill, built in 1911, open since March
Most recently: Pound Gallery
Who’s behind it: Visual artist/curator Amanda Manitach and curator Timothy Rysdyke
Focus: Contemporary, experimental visual arts and an obsession with Andy Warhol
Upcoming shows: Opening May 14, a show called Art Saves Lives. “There will be a lot of fire extinguishers,” Manitach says, “but don’t worry—no fires!” “The Factory” on Facebook
3. Nordo’s Culinarium
109 S Main St. in Pioneer Square, built in 1891, open since April
Most recently: Original location of Elliott Bay Book Company
Who’s behind it: Café Nordo
Focus: Immersive, ambulatory and endearingly silly dinner theater
Upcoming shows: Don Nordo del Midwest, an interactive theater experience featuring a menu of “Midwestern tapas” (Thursday–Sunday nights, through May 31).cafenordo.com
4. Common Area Maintenance
2125 Second Ave. in Belltown, built in 1910, due to open in May
Most recently: A small-appliance repair storefront
Who’s behind it: Visual artist Timothy Firth
Focus: Live performance, video installations, readings, gallery shows and workspace for artists
Upcoming shows: At press time, Firth was focused on finishing construction. Check online for May and June events. “Common AREA Maintenance” on Facebook
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