2020 is becoming the year Artists have had to figure out alternative ways to showcase their works, as hundreds of shows across the US are cancelling their show dates due to the COvid-19 pandemic and physical distancing mandates.
At the end of a long year of shows in 2019, I had decided that the show circuit as a means for showcasing and selling my works of art, was not how I wanted to continue doing business. For 2020 I had planned two major alternative events of my own creation, of which now may not actually come to fruition. I will fill you in on these plans when the time is right. For now, on to other
Late 2019, my colleague and friend Brandi Marino approached me with an idea for creating a collective of artists and studios in East Rochester, at the Piano Works. Brandi had a dream of creating a collective of Creatives in the East Rochester area…conveniently located between the city of Rochester and the suburb communities. Someplace where established and new artists and creatives could have studios, workspace and classrooms to teach and grow.
The owner of the complex, Michael Kuskin, is a huge patron of the arts, helped make our project come to life by renting our 10,000 square foot office space to the artists for well below market value. Without Michaels generosity, the artists in residence would never have been able to afford being part of the CC Collective. In early 2020 Central Creatives, a Co-Work of Art at the Piano Works, East Rochester, was born. Our Grand opening was in late March of 2020 and we are all excited to have it open to the public once again.
Central Creatives is a collective of artists who seek to foster a greater connection to the community while working in a Co-Work environment. Central Creatives has two gallery show spaces, two classrooms for art classes and a thriving community of Creatives eager to invite the public back to enjoy our open house events, workshops and gallery shows.
As our country begins to reopen and events continue to develop, you can follow my progress on Facebook as Mark Groaning and Mark Groaning Studio and Mark Groaning and MarGroaningStudio on Instagram. Basically, if you want to find out where I am and what I am doing, search for Mark Groaning Studio or Mark Groaning and you are sure to find me.
Be Safe. Be Kind. Taking each day one day at a time.
