The Blum House, part of the Mississippi Valley Library District and former home of the Blum family, owners of the Blum Cowbell Factory from 1876-1956, was built circa 1900. This home was donated to the Collinsville Library and has been used primarily as a rental facility for individuals and community functions.
This historic venue can be a significant part of the revitalization of Uptown Collinsville by transforming it into an Art Gallery with low cost Art Studio Spaces available for area artists and artisans. There are multiple artists, crafters and artisans that reside in and around the Collinsville area. The Blum House has the potential to offer low-rent studio space (upstairs) as well as one of the best venues for an art gallery (main floor) in Collinsville.
This can be done with minimal changes to the venue while maintaining the Blum House’s integrity and historic significance. This will also generate an influx of traffic on a daily basis into the gallery and Uptown Collinsville; not to mention creating a community location for artistic expression and as part of the Library System, a regional art resource center.
The studios will be shared, semi-private or private spaces and will be available in three levels:
1. Daily Rental.
A. The 6’ x 13’ Mezzanine area will be available for daily rental with a four (4) day consecutive rental maximum at $10 for four (4) hours (available during official business hours only). (Studio 1)
2. Leased Space.
A. Shared studios (with 3 or more artists) are available on a three (3) month lease. This includes Studios 2 and 3 on the diagram.
B. Semi-Private Studios (with up to 2 artists) are available on a 3 month lease unless an artist wants to rent both slots in the room and use it as a private studio. In this case the studio lease will require a six (6) month commitment. This includes Studios 4 and 6 on the diagram.
C. Private studios (with only one (1) artist) are available on a six (6) month lease. This includes Studio 5 (exclusive as a private studio) and could include Studios 2 and 6 on the diagram if an artist rents both slots in those rooms.
D. Each artist/lessee will work 3 hours per week in the gallery.
E. Lease Amounts
a. Studio 1 - $10 for 4 hours (Daily rental)
b. Studio 2* - $51 per month each for 2 Artists or $102 per month for an individual artist.
c. Studio 3 - $56 per month each for 3 Artists
d. Studio 4 - $43 per month each for 3 artists
e. Studio 5* - $84 per month for an individual artist
f. Studio 6* - $48 per month each for 2 artists or $96 per month for an individual artist.
*Space can be leased as a private studio.
3. Lease renewal
A. A lease can be renewed on any of the available studios (with exception of the daily rental area) at the discretion of the Blum House Management if there is not a waiting list. If there is a waiting list the lessee will vacate the studio at the end of his/her lease and can reapply to the waiting list. Please see lease agreement for lease details.
4. Gallery Hours and Staff
A. The main floor with its Victorian design and arched walkways, with the addition of some modular, movable gallery walls, has the perfect layout. The house has a fully functional kitchen which allows for the possibility of a coffee bar/light lunch menu to the area. Not to mention the possibility of culinary art classes and offerings.
B. The gallery will be open:
1. Wednesday through Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
2. Friday 1:00 – 5:00 pm
3. Saturday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
C. The gallery will be available for private art events such as workshops and/or exhibits on Friday and Saturday evenings.
5. Exhibit and Commissions
A. Studio artists (resident) will be charged a 15% commission on work that sells through the gallery. Other artists (non-resident) who exhibit will be charged a 25% commission on any work that sells through the gallery, unless a specific show or gallery event is set at a different commission rate, which will be subject to pre-approval from the gallery curator.
6. Venue and Community Impact
A. The art gallery will become a recognized venue in the greater St. Louis Metro art community. The resident artists will have a place to exhibit their work and exhibit space, art shows and art events will be available for regional artists. The resident artists will be able to sell their work in the gallery with a 15% commission; non-resident artists will be charged 25% commission.
B. The Blum House will also be the home of a regional art group that hosts shows and exhibits and partners with existing community organizations to offer classes, workshops to the public, as well as art camps for Collinsville area youth. This will be a fantastic way to promote art and education in this community and to the entire region.
7. Future Projects
A. There is also a secondary building behind the house, which, with some repair, would be an excellent place for wood working, casting and other artisan/craftsman endeavors. It has two open-air bays that will be perfect for work that needs more ventilation, especially in the warmer months.
8. Summary
A. This project will be part of the catalyst for an art renaissance in Collinsville, making it the go to place for artists and craftsmen as well as the art connoisseur. It will also be a great addition to the Metro East art community.
Authors Note:
I need your input. If you are an artist, how does the idea of a shared studio space strike you? Are the prices reasonable, the 3 hours per week, etc? As an art lover/collector, how does the idea of resident artists with gallery/exhibition space grab you? Do the gallery hours seem sufficient?
Prepared by Armando Heredia, Collinsville resident, Art Activist, and Curator.
Visit http://www.heredia.ws for more information.
