Fowler Gives Up the Ghost
It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce that Fowler's largest space on the 2nd floor of 67 West is no more as of July 1st, 2015.
With only 30 days notice, Fowler received an astronomical and insurmountable 50% increase on its monthly rent. This equalled thousands of more dollars a month. In order to stay true to my mission of providing affordable studio space to emerging artists, I made the difficult decision to close down our space for good. I gave notice on the lease and all 25 artists had to re-locate to new studios. This is an especially troubling time for artists and small business owners in NYC. Who knows how it will all turn out.
The past five years have been wonderful and challenging, exhilarating and downright exhausting. It was worth the fight to keep Fowler afloat for as long as I could, but there comes a time when the fight becomes too insurmountable. I had to let Fowler go.
I will still have Fowler’s 3rd floor annex space for the rest of the year, so we artists at least have a small foothold in the building for a few more months. I could tell this change was coming (hence the transitioning to upstate NY over this past year), but I had no idea it would be so quick and final. We all thought we had a few more years.
It has been such a wonderful experience getting to know so many talented and energetic artists through our exhibitions program and studio spaces. I can't wait to see how you all take on the world, and I hope Fowler helped you on your way to getting there.
We say farewell to the space as best we can and then we must move on. Over and out. RIP, Fowler. 2010-2015. 🎉💥🎉💥💔
Lia Post Founder/Director Fowler Arts Collective
