by Tim Moffatt
Free range artist space is not a new concept. Question any boomer on the subject and you’ll most likely get a lecture on the hippie movement. I don’t recommend doing that though. Oliver Stone has probably already told the story far better at some point. However, as punk rock collectives coalesced into full blown communities in the 80’s, the need for space to explore whatever art is the de riguer for the youth, became integral to supporting budding scenes. One must merely turn to the 924 Gilman Street Project from the San Francisco Bay area for proof that the concept works. That project offered practice space for bands, Operation Ivy, Rancid, Offspring and Green Day to name a few, plus art space, room for classes and community events space.
Now, Palm Beach has its own artist collective to help usher Florida’s lower three counties into a D.I.Y. renaissance. Craig McInnis and Rodney Mayo are teaming up to open what will be a place for people to congregate to explore their artistic side. The Peach is an idea that is more about giving the community an outlet for whatever crazy thoughts they want to breathe life into. It consists of seven studios that can each accommodate 3-4 artists at one time. The plan, however, is to never have a lull in showcasing all facets of art. Mayo has this to say about the space:
“The idea is to have an opening every Friday and a gallery walk once a month where artists can set up booths, have live bands play…we have Troyís Barbecue who will be here all the time. We want to activate the space with as much as we can do…we want to curate the space so it’s not all 2D artists…we want to offer service space for classes and resources for students, that sort of thing.”
Following up on this idea of diversifying the compound; there are rumors that McGinnis as curator and Mayo are trying to also make space available for yoga instructors to offer their services to those who utilize the space. Furthermore it is an indoor/outdoor operation with roll up garage doors and a full sound system outfitted with projectors that can be used to show films. The strategy is to partner up with the G-Star School of the Arts, a charter film school in West Palm Beach and others to give students a place to feature their film projects.
We shall witness how this grand scheme comes together around the end of February. COVID-19 has made the project a slog, but Mayo and McGinnis are determined to make it work for the community.
WHAT?: Studios, Monthly Art Walks, Live Music, Yoga, Education, Gallery Shows, Live Art, Indie Films, Vendors, BBQ and more. Intriqued? Email: thepeach@subculturegroup.com
