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Is Art still in Soho?
Soho, a neighborhood once known for its trendy art scene has now become known for its shopping appeal. A community filled with a variety of vibrant styles has progressed into a phase of commercialization. Luxury brand stores seem to be located at every turn. Street vendors are never lacking. Fancy cars can be spotted very frequently, and during the daytime, the streets are always filled with foreigners who have come to shop.
The atmosphere in the thriving neighborhood seems to be optimistic. As there is a continuing in flow of consumers and traffic, it does not seem like these harsh economic times have affected the area. However, taking a closer look around the vicinity it is clear that not even a shopping attraction like Soho is immune to the effects of a bad economy. Many store fronts boast “space for rent” signs; others promote clearance sales much more frequently in order to get customers into the store. As the economic situation continues to shift, neighborhoods like Soho continue to crumble at the edges.
The art scene in Soho has taken the great hit from the commercialization of the area. During the economic changes of the late 80’s and early 90’s, a major bulk of artists and art studios moved from Soho into the now more popular Chelsea neighborhood. Even though the shift in art scene was major, there are still some art galleries left in the once well known artist attraction. The gallery owners who remain in the downtown vicinity each have their own reasons for staying.
13 Crosby St is the location of one of the many galleries that have remained. The tall display windows allow for complete transparency. Unlike many other galleries that seem exclusionary, this one seems inviting. Peter Tunney, one of the few curators left in soho put it very frankly, “Chelsea is like Las Vegas, you want to visit, but you don’t want to live there” he says. Having spent over fifteen years in soho, he enthusiastically admits his love for the neighborhood. “I love soho, I love the vibe, the cobble stone streets, the different personalities, I love having the gallery here” he said.
In a time where most business owners would be less enthused and more worried, Tunney remains firm on his position to stay. “Just because other galleries up and left doesn’t mean I’m going to follow” he said, a shared sentiment amongst other gallery owners. In Tunney’s case, his ability to remain in Soho is partly due to his notoriety within the art world. Peter Tunney who also produces art, mostly in the pop art genre, has somewhat of a following and reputation. In being known, it allows for an inflow of patrons that make him able to afford the gallery space.
A short walking distance from Tunney’s gallery, at 112 Greene St, the CFM gallery is located. A gallery that has been in soho for over ten years, CFM holds a variety of art collections that can attract potential buys. From contemporary works, sculptures, to more classical pieces, CFM displays a wide range or artist and styles.
At the front desk, a middle aged woman with sandy blonde hair sits patiently waiting to assist any visitors. Julie, who preferred not to disclose her age, has worked at the Gallery for several years and has observed the changes that have been happening in Soho. “Clothing stores move in and art galleries are moving to Chelsea” she said. The CFM gallery, whose lease expires in the next three years, represents the Soho galleries that are nearing their final days. “After the lease is up, the gallery will most likely close” Julie said. As of yet, the gallery does not have any plans of moving or finding another location.
It is interesting to observe the dichotomy between the opinions of gallery owners on the change of art scene of Soho. Some owners plan to move, others have given up on the struggle to maintain their establishment, while others continue the fight to overcome the obstacles of an overly commercialized neighborhood.
One such individual who is using the shopping attraction of Soho to his advantage is Luke Peterson. “With higher end stores in the area, it’s a better opportunity to attract possible clients” he said. Curator of the Pomegranate Gallery located near Houston at 133 Greene St, Peterson notices the fact that it is difficult for galleries to remain open in Soho. “If the gallery space is not owned, gallery owners will have an even harder time sustaining their business, because the rent here in soho is so high” Peterson said.
As is affirmed through different Art publications, Chelsea is a hot spot for art dealers, however Peterson believes otherwise. With over 300 galleries in Chelsea, it is understandable why it would be considered to be popular. “Even though there are much fewer galleries in Soho, we are able to stand out much more because of this” said Peterson. He believes Chelsea to be overcrowded with galleries. Contrastingly, Julie from the CFM gallery views this Chelsea art community as being more beneficial. “Here [in Soho] we get the tourist, not the buyers” she said.
With Soho continuing to be a tourist attraction, artist use traditional methods of showing off their art. Many have become less dependent upon galleries, and have taken things into their own hands. The sidewalks of Soho are crowded with street vendors, mostly artist selling their Jewelry and paintings. Along West Broadway, the majority of vendors show off their paintings. This form of selling seems to be the over powering trend. However, another development that is occurring in the area is, non-profit organizations providing the space for artist to display their work.
Artists Space, at 33 Greene St 3rd fl, is one such non-profit organization in soho that displays the works of select artists. Finding the gallery can be a bit puzzling as no major sign is displayed to announce its presence. An elevator transports one to the 3rd floor, where a large conference like table awaits upon exiting. At the front desk, a fair skinned young lady with dark blond hair and intense gray eyes, politely smiles. Elizabeth, who has worked at the front desk of the gallery for several months, is not hesitant to share the knowledge she knows about the organization. Unfortunately, the director was unavailable to express her opinion about the changing art scene in soho.
“Soho is not an artist community anymore” Elizabeth said, quickly pointing out the unfortunate reality of the neighborhood. Artist Space, which has been in soho since 1993, has experienced the transformation of the area. “Soho has become a tourism site for the city” said Elizabeth, yet another truth about Soho. Since Artist space is structured differently from commercial galleries, they are not affected so much by the competition amongst art galleries. Artist space collaborates with other non profit organizations in the area, so much that they are apart of a “down town non-profit arts” group. The galleries are located in areas like Hell’s kitchen, Chelsea, Financial District, West Village and many others. Through this network of galleries, artists are able to maintain there works visible to an audience who prefers to view art indoors.
As is evident in the history of Soho, changing from a manufacturing district to an artist community and now to a shopping center, it is possible for another change to occur. “It is possible for soho to go back to being an artist community, but not like how it used” said Elizabeth.
