Release Date: Monday, December 12th 2011
New Tempe art studio on Mill Avenue plans grand opening
by Luci Scott
The Arizona Republic
An art gallery and studio celebrates its grand opening Thursday evening on Mill Avenue, where visitors can meet nine resident artists and browse artwork for sale.
Montage Art Studio on Mill is at 740 S. Mill Ave., between P.F. Chang's China Bistro and Mellow Mushroom pizzeria.
The project began with a request from Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, said Jimmy Cerracchio, director of business development for Downtown Tempe Community.
"We wanted to use vacant space to work with artists and do an art project," Cerracchio said.
Working with Kate Foreman, a downtown Tempe resident, the group came up with a plan to have studio space sustain itself, create activity on the street and be something that's visually appealing for the block, he said.
There's room for 18 artists to work, and they can show and sell their work in the gallery.
"We'll do juried shows, and it's open to outside artists as well as those inside," Cerracchio said.
Montage, which covers 5,000 square feet, is accepting applications from artists who need studio space.
The grand opening runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Hallman will speak at 6 p.m.
Hours that Montage will be open are 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and daytimes during high-traffic events such as the Tempe Festival of the Arts.
The landlord, Centerpoint on Mill, is charging no rent to Montage. If a retailer wants the space, Montage will move to another vacant space. Other landlords have offered room, Cerracchio said.
Since member artists pay rent, they pay no commission on the works they sell.
Other benefits for member artists include exposure to nearly 300,000 potential art buyers who arrive twice a year for the Tempe Festival of the Arts, and more than 4 million visitors annually to the Mill Avenue District. Member artists also have the opportunity to build relationships with other artists, receive liability insurance provided at no cost by DTC and use of classroom space for workshops.
Studio rental rates range from $150 to $275 a month for six- and 12-month leases.
Artists who wish to apply for space can get applications at millavenue.com/montage or at Downtown Tempe Community offices at 310 S. Mill Ave., Suite A-201.
Montage Art Studio on Mill
Grand opening: 5-9 p.m. Thursday. Mayor Hugh Hallman speaks at 6.
Where: 740 S. Mill Ave.
What: Meet member artists and browse among art work for sale.
Applications: Artists can apply to become members at millavenue.com/montage or at 310 S. Mill Ave., Suite A-201.
