jump to content

News

Solar Culture expands into neighboring warehouse

July 21, 2010 (1:44 pm) | Permanent Link

Teya Vitu

Steven Eye is expanding his Solar Culture Gallery concept into the neighboring warehouse at 35 E. Toole Ave. with its own name: Arches.

Arches will have eight small gallery spaces and more than 20 artist studios.

Eye expects to have the building ready for artists some time in August.

“The thing we’re trying to do is get all sorts of people in there with galleries and studios,” Eye said. “We want to get the word out for people looking for gallery and studio space.”

Artists interested in renting space may contact Eye at 884-0874.

Arches joins Solar Culture, which has seven studios and a community gallery with more than local 120 artists showing work. Touring bands also perform at Solar Culture.

Steve Fenton bought both Solar Culture, 31 E. Toole Ave., and the 35 E. Toole warehouses last year in Arizona Department of Transportation auctions. The art community was worried about Fenton’s intensions, and Fenton wasn’t specific at that time, though he did insist he was committed to the arts uses.

Eye said Fenton has lived up to his commitment.

“We’re getting along rather well,” Eye said. “We have a shared vision for the block to turn it into an arts block. He’s very supportive of the arts growing and continuing on this block.”