Comments: mark - 2004-02-16 10:37:49 Hey, that's cool that you got to see the space... and thanks for not telling everyone how unfinished and messy our particular corner of it is... As for 555, I couldn't agree with you more. Carl and Monte have done a fantastic job and it would be a real setback for Ypsi if we lost them to Detroit (where they're now looking for space). Our city officials need to get down there and see what they're tearing down before it's gone... Actually, I don't really have a problem with it being torn down, as all of us knew that could happen getting into it. What bothers me is the fact that it could be torn down in two months and then the lot would sit vacant for two years before construction on the new buildings started... What I would like to see is someone on the city council get serious about finding 555 new, permanent space somewhere in Ypsilanti. We need to foster this kind of community, one that brings more in the way of energy and resources than it takes, one that generates new ideas and acts on them. This is as important, if not more so, than the Water Street project. * * * * * * * * * * * * Brian - 2004-02-16 11:06:14 Right now they are in Lois Richardson's ward. Has anyone from 555 contacted her? * * * * * * * * * * * * Mark - 2004-02-16 13:03:19 No, I don't believe they contacted anyone on the city council. If you have contact information, however, I'd be glad to give her a call. * * * * * * * * * * * * Brian - 2004-02-16 16:11:04 My advice would be to call the city clerk's office (734) 483-1100 as I'd hate to post her telephone number. Better yet, call the Mayor. If 555 wants to stay in Ypsi, I would expect them to come to the pump and start negotiations. I think Ypsi has a great sense of community (at least where I live). I doubt you meant it as such, but you made is sound as if 555 should be courted. I'd like to think we be lucky to have them, but they'd be lucky to be in Ypsi as well. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-02-16 18:30:01 555 *should* be courted. Take a tour--you'd be amazed at what they're doing there--completely unique in all of Washtenaw County. In all fairness, however, when I grilled one 555 gentleman on whether they'd invited the city players to take a tour, it seems they hadn't--to me that seems like the quickest way to convince anyone of how great this place is--but to a certain extent that's armchair quarterbacking--I haven't been putting out the amazing effort the collective has just to get the place up & running. For alternate buildings, I was wondering about that industrial building between the east side of EMU and the tracks. It has kind of rows of triangular roofs...and I checked today--it's still for rent, as it's been for the last thousand years. About the same square footage as the current 555 building. If it's a tad pricier, I for one would be willing to contribute to a 555 foundation if they set one up. Would getting nonprofit status count for anything? To my understanding they're not an official nonprofit now. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-02-16 18:38:09 Actually, Brian, what I meant to say first is thank you for looking up the information & posting it. * * * * * * * * * * * * jin - 2004-02-18 18:53:20 did anyone see the show yet? please tell me what you think. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-02-18 20:05:05 Welcome, Jin! I saw the show. It's a pretty sophisticated show. The artists are NY artists with local connections. There's a nice variety, ranging from huge paintings to intricate cutouts and works resembling Chinese calligraphy. All in all it's well worth a visit. * * * * * * * * * * * * Hillary - 2004-02-19 13:40:50 My favorite pieces were the group of painted tiles (I think they're tiles!) and the huge fabric based, mixed media pieces. I'm a sucker for odd bits and layered works. The space has really changed... the seating areas are cozy. I think that's the first show I've seen in these parts with a DJ, which was a big hit with me. The show was well organized and welcoming. We loved it. * * * * * * * * * * * * mark - 2004-02-19 14:35:16 Hillary... Where were you? We didn't see you guys there. LInette and I were looking for you and Steve. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-02-19 18:55:50 I liked those little tiles too, and the calligraphy-like ink paintings in the back on the right--beautiful. Hillary when you say the "fabric-based" pieces do you mean the two large works on the back wall of the gallery? * * * * * * * * * * * * Hillary - 2004-02-20 13:53:16 We were looking for you too, Mark. I was pretty sure I saw your car outside. We checked out the stuff and then snuck back to your space, but you weren't there! I think it was 7ish on the 14th. Those are the ones, Laura! My favorite one of those had newsprint and maybe cardboard(?) in the mix. I like art that incorporates everyday stuff. * * * * * * * * * * * * jin - 2004-02-20 13:53:21 I appreciate your advice. sounds like an exciting show. i will definitely attend! I have heard of sang-ah choi, a korean artist whose work is there. will write again after i see the work. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-02-20 18:52:46 Ms. Choi's work was enigmatic and interesting...like a pink anime dream. Please do write again; I would love to hear what you think about it. * * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: your name: your email: your url: back to the entry - Diaryland