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ArtBash kicks off Mt. Airy Art Garage’s campaign for a new home
Alaina Johns
What with everything else happening over at Mt. Airy Art Garage in the past few months, president Linda Slodki doesn't want to forget their September 19 ArtBash fundraiser, which is kicking off a major campaign to find the Northwest Philly arts hub a new home.
That’s because this summer, MAAG cofounders Slodki and Arleen Olshan got some pretty shocking news: By this time next year, they’ll have to be out of the space they’ve spent five years and nearly a quarter of a million dollars renovating. They had the rental property appraised in hopes of making an offer on it themselves, but owner Greg Bushu, Slodki says, set a much higher asking price that made obtaining a mortgage impossible for the six-year-old interdisciplinary arts nonprofit. MAAG leaders thought they’d be able to renew their lease but found out in July that they will be able to occupy the space only through August 2016.
The news has led to a significant swell of community support and hasn’t stymied any of the events Slodki, Olshan, and their members and volunteers are planning for the coming months.
They’re pulling out all the stops for ArtBash, which will include a fine art and handicraft silent auction, with work donated from over 30 notable local artisans. (And for those who want an early shot at prime pieces, you can stop by MAAG during September 17’s Mt. Airy Street Fare event and nab your favorite at a special “buy it now” price.)
Jazz pianist Dena Underwood will be playing, there’ll be refreshments from a range of Northwest Philly restaurants, and special guest James Dupree, who won his battle with the city’s eminent domain effort to seize and bulldoze his Mantua art studio, will be speaking. His work will be on display in MAAG’s Solomon Levy Gallery, and he’ll be receiving MAAG’s Artist Trailblazer award.
In short, according to MAAG, “Guaranteed best art party ever!”
Mt. Airy Art Garage’s ArtBash ($45) is happening at 11 W. Mt. Airy Avenue, Philadelphia from 6-9pm on Saturday, September 19. For details, a preview of the art for sale, and advance tickets, visit the ArtBash online.
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