Lawrenceville’s comeback story got started with artists, craftspeople, designers, and home furnishings dealers. And unlike many other neighborhoods across the country, artist entrepreneurs haven’t found themselves priced out of Lawrenceville’s business or residential districts.
What else makes Lawrenceville such a good find for artists and designers?
The 16:62 Design Zone, a recognized destination. This cooperative promotional program got its start in 2000 with the grassroots energy of working artists, antique dealers, and other home furnishing retailers. Today, the Design Zone is home to more than 65 design-related members. Member businesses pool their financial and volunteer resources to promote our neighborhood as a top shopping destination for arts and design. Our publicity efforts have earned us recognition in The New York Times, Northern Ohio Live, American Style, National Geographic Traveler, The Crafts Report, and local media.
The right space. Lawrenceville’s architectural diversity makes it easy to find the space suitable for private studios or retail storefronts at prices within reach of smaller-scale ventures. In fact, Lawrenceville is home to three buildings designed just for artists: the Blackbird Artist Studios, the Ice House Artist Studios, and the Slaughterhouse Gallery & Studios.
A creative culture. Our galleries are run by artists, for artists. Even residents who don’t work as professional artists contribute to Lawrenceville’s creative spirit, staging annual events like Art All Night and opening their private studios for the Lawrenceville Artists’ Studio Tour. Our community values creativity, grass-roots energy and entrepreneurial spirit and provides a great network of support for newcomers.
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