Before and After

Solution for an Empty Storefront

by
Culture
10 Comments
176 Broadway

 

When cruising through Newburgh, vacant store fronts and buildings are part of the landscape. But what if there was a way to brighten up these bleak storefronts? An idea that is being used all around the country and world, is using empty store fronts as a center stage for displaying art, also known as Phantom Galleries. Landlords have to agree for the space usage, but it livens up even the most dreary streets, and it beautifies their property while it is empty or in the process of being rented. This is an increasing popular idea for artists who want to make their work known. Displaying art in public spaces is one of the most direct methods to have the public view your artwork. You bring the art to them. Most artists that are show cased are local and come from local schools and universities. 

It should be noted that this has been a success in other cities like Pittsfield and Northampton, Massachusets. Below is a photo from an empty storefront in downtown Berkley, California that is showcasing artwork in a former shoe store.

(source) 

The Marketing Manager of the program said this to the Daily Californian, “We really wanted to bring the community into the Downtown. We wanted to make it fun and bright, celebrating the Downtown instead of letting it feel dismal and empty.” With their empty commercial space rising, they looked to local artists to fill in some of the gaps. 

Design by Dakin Roy & Sonia Roy
(source) 

This is even happening across the river in nearby Beacon at their 2009 Windows on Main Street event. So far this will be it’s fifth year running. It will run from August 8-September 12, 2009 this year. I know that a gallery in Beacon is interested in bringing the same thing to Newburgh.

 

Charleston, SC also has it’s share of empty storefronts. But they have the WALK Gallery (Window Art Local Knowledge). Their mission is to “to expand on the existing dialogue of community art.” The gallery is “capitalizing on shifting the current economic paradigm by enlivening empty spaces to showcase our culture’s commodities by filling these spaces and bringing attention to our most creative class — visual artists.” They are trying to create a neighborhood “where empty becomes full and “vacant” no longer has a negative connotation.”

(source) 

The above image is an example of how a new store used art to cover up the raw bones of the space in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Flickr has a great photo stream of Phantom Galleries. Really the possibilities are endless, even performing arts are taking place in these type of spaces. 

So the question is how can something like this be brought to Newburgh? Well all communities seem to have a common thread in common-they are all well organized groups with missions and have a specific plan outlined. Floor One, a gallery in nearby Beacon has expressed interest in organizing such a project. If there are any local artists or more specifically-landlords that would be interested in such a task please contact them 17EastMain@gmail.com . Also the Newburgh Arts & Culture Commission could be contacted as well arts@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov . The local public schools, Orange County Community College, and Mount Saint Mary’s College could also have students work showcased. This idea worked well with a University in Pennsylvania. They painted scenes of busy shops and placed them in the empty storefronts. Perhaps the director of Ann Street Gallery would be interested too. If local people get involved, then they will take pride in their community.

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10 Comment

  • Anonymous

    Funny, I was just in Newburgh this week and we are from Cinton HIll, just down the street from the example you show of store fronts. Newburgh feels like CH, Brooklyn 10 years ago. We would like to invest in the town but had a hard time feeling the direction it is going. Seems like you could get a lot of investment when things come back if it was positioned the right way. Small businesses, local farming, etc etc
    JVP
    jporcelli@mac.com

    Reply
  • Anonymous

    Funny, I was just in Newburgh this week and we are from Cinton HIll, just down the street from the example you show of store fronts. Newburgh feels like CH, Brooklyn 10 years ago. We would like to invest in the town but had a hard time feeling the direction it is going. Seems like you could get a lot of investment when things come back if it was positioned the right way. Small businesses, local farming, etc etc
    JVP
    jporcelli@mac.com

    Reply
  • Linda Richichi

    Bravo for your blog. Wonderful idea. We have so many talented artists in the area. Not all are in galleries so this is a win win situation.

    Reply
  • Linda Richichi

    Bravo for your blog. Wonderful idea. We have so many talented artists in the area. Not all are in galleries so this is a win win situation.

    Reply
  • Anonymous

    A tried, true, and excellent means to enliven neighborhoods and have some F U N. A 'common thread' of a dedicated group: where's the Arts & Cultural Commission? They can get Landlord cooperation, City Hall backing, & enlist local artists. Aren't there a few commissioners ready to commit to such a positive endeavor? Join us!

    Reply
  • Anonymous

    A tried, true, and excellent means to enliven neighborhoods and have some F U N. A 'common thread' of a dedicated group: where's the Arts & Cultural Commission? They can get Landlord cooperation, City Hall backing, & enlist local artists. Aren't there a few commissioners ready to commit to such a positive endeavor? Join us!

    Reply
  • Anonymous

    Hi – The image of the little mannequin boy with the hat and watering can was done by my wife and I. The piece was called "For the Love of Ivy" by myself, Dakin Roy and my wife Sonia Roy.
    If it is not too much to ask could we be credited? I realize it goes to the windows link but not who did what specifically. Thank You and keep up the good work!

    Dakin Roy

    Reply
  • Anonymous

    Hi – The image of the little mannequin boy with the hat and watering can was done by my wife and I. The piece was called "For the Love of Ivy" by myself, Dakin Roy and my wife Sonia Roy.
    If it is not too much to ask could we be credited? I realize it goes to the windows link but not who did what specifically. Thank You and keep up the good work!

    Dakin Roy

    Reply
  • Newburgh Restoration

    Dakin- no problem! Thanks for looking Newburgh up!

    Reply
  • Newburgh Restoration

    Dakin- no problem! Thanks for looking Newburgh up!

    Reply
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