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555
was founded in the spring of 2002 in Ann Arbor Michigan. Jacob "Monte"
Martinez, Andres Garces, and Carl W. Goines established 555 on Third
in a 1500 sq. ft. corridor in the Ann Arbor Technology Center, located
on Third Street between Huron and Washington. The Ann Arbor Technology
Center began as an industrial warehouse but since the early 70’s
had become a grassroots cultural community housing over 150 artists,
craftspersons, musicians, and developing entrepreneurs. The complex
was one of the few affordable spaces for studio rental in the city
of Ann Arbor.
Having recently graduated from the University of Michigan School of
Art & Design, Monte and Carl envisioned creating a studio and
gallery setting where emerging artists, performers, musicians, and
activists could come together, exchange ideas, and exhibit their work.
Using recycled materials, Monte and Carl began to rejuvenate and transform
the raw industrial space. They saw the space as a sculpture in itself,
adding walls, lofts, two separate exhibition areas and working studio
space. 555 on Third quickly began to function as an exhibition venue,
artists' studio, and performance space for artists whose work was
not compatible with the town's existing galleries and university-related
venues. In less than one year, 555 on Third hosted over 30 performances,
musical acts, exhibitions and multiple community and artistic events.
Those who exhibited their talents included local musicians and artists,
promising University of Michigan School of Art and Design art students,
as well as Japanese visiting artist Takako Miyoshi. Collaborative
efforts with the UM student group RadArt brought New Yorker cartoonist
David Rees of "Get Your War On”, The Beehive Collective,
and an all Stencil Art Exhibit with speaker Seth Tobocman, author
of ”World War III”. The public responded with an average
attendance of 75 people per event in the first year. By February of
2003 555 gained two more resident artists and volunteer staff members
Dan Gay and Steven Samuels.
The Ann Arbor Technology Center had been sold to the YMCA for the
construction of its new state of the art facility the previous year.
Considered to be no more than an eyesore by the city of Ann Arbor,
by June of 2003 the Technology Center was vacated and demolition began.
With its loss many artists were forced to re-locate, some to basements
and garages, while others had to find affordable space outside of
Ann Arbor. Along side the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre and the Peter Sparling
Dance Center, 555 was one of few arts organizations to survive the
loss of the Technology Center.
During the spring of 2003, 555 relocated to the neighboring city of
Ypsilanti in order to continue developing their sculptural vision
and arts community. Membership grew to include artists Nicole Parker,
Andrew Patterson, Raul Pena, and Gregory Stovetop. They began transforming
a 13,000 sq. ft. warehouse into a den of creativity. Six months of
bringing the building up to code slowed down the fast paced, growing
exhibition schedule that was being sustained in Ann Arbor, but brought
with it 555 staff’s ability to negotiate government process.
Already based on community engagement with the arts by providing gallery
and studio space for emerging artists as well as established artists,
555 members made the decision to officially become a non-profit arts
organization. Weekly meetings were held, conferences were attended,
and 555’s artists actively pursued the knowledge and the structure
needed for running a non-profit. In the spring of 2004, 555 gained
members Matt Bierl, Sarah Evilisizor, and Trevor Stone who also brought
with them exciting ideas about the arts and the potential for an arts
venue.
In the spring of 2004 the City of Ypsilanti, with plans to redevelop
the downtown riverfront into condominiums and townhouses, asked 555
to move out of its Michigan Ave. location in order for their plans
to move forward. Having held over 20 exhibitions and hosted events
such as the screening of Afro-Punk a 66-minute documentary, exploring
race identity within the punk scene, 555 members made the decision
to move on to its third location: Detroit. In the summer of 2004,
the 555 Studio/Gallery found what it hopes to be a permanent location
at the intersection of Grand River Ave. and Warren, in the City of
Detroit.
555’s Detroit location is in the Woodbridge Neighborhood and
occupies the former Michigan Tent and Awning building, an industrial
site previously used for the manufacture and storage of large tents
and awnings. 555 leased the building on a five year lease and is in
the process of sculpting and renovating the 13,000 sq. ft. complex
for studio and exhibition space. Renovation began August 1st 2004
and the facility held its first exhibit entitled “Connections”
on October 1, 2004. Currently there are thirteen individual artist
studios all occupied by local artists and 555 staff members. Communal
work spaces for 555 members include a wood shop and a metal shop.
The Main Gallery is an open and spacious area at over 2100 square
feet with two-story ceilings, large windows, and skylights. Gallery
two or the Red Room is a more intimate space at over 1300 sq. ft with
hardwood floors, painted red brick walls, and bright windows overlooking
the street below.
The Staff of 555 includes Co-Directors and founders Monte and Carl
W. Goines, and Director of Development Nicole Parker.
The Board of Directors includes Sharon
Gillette, Carl W. Goines, Rose DeSloover, Bryant Tillman, Lisa Berden, Dan Gay, Remi Esordi, and Nicole Parker.
The mission of 555 is to provide space for community-based arts and
arts education projects and activities, including classes and workshops,
to provide low cost studio and exhibition space, as well as establish
an Artist Residency Program for emerging and professional artists.
555 is also dedicated to enhancing public awareness of the arts through
collaborative projects with other non-profit arts and community organizations.
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