An empty storefront makes for great canvas. Four unused storefront
windows on the 1400 to 1500 block of Woodward Ave. (between Grand Circus
and Campus Martius parks) are seeing second life as part of a makeshift
outdoor gallery space.
The artistic adornments are a new project launched by Royal Oak's
323 East Gallery and Mike Han of
Street Culture Mash. Han says they hope to expand the Woodward Windows movement to every empty storefront window along the downtown corridor.
"We
want to activate a lot of those spaces," Han says. "Those sidewalks are
beautiful, so eventually, we want to do events, so we can have
something of a block party."
More than a party, it's also an innovative marketing strategy for the vacant retail spaces, which are owned by the
Farbman Group.
"Eventually, tenants will find their way in there," says Han of the
effect Woodward Windows can bring to downtown's commercial district.
"That's the nice thing about the artwork. It's been drawing a lot of
attention. People start talking about those spaces again."
He's
hoping to use his relationship with Farbman to secure more windows for
potential paintings, and says the real estate development company has
been "amazing" to work with.
"It's something that they're interested in, too, because if more people are on that block, it's better for them," Han says.
Four local artists' work are currently displayed, including famed graffiti artist Kobie Solomon, Fel 3000, Malt and Sintex.
"RIght
now, we're seeing if we can get some sort of business model for it,
because we really want to compensate the artists for their time and
their work," Han says. He adds the duo are exploring the idea of opening
a pop-up gallery space in one of the empty storefronts, so featured
artists will be able to sell their work to passersby.
Source: Mike Han, Founder, Street Culture Mash
Writer; Ashley C. Woods
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