 Photo by Wes Naman
Inspired by 516 Arts’ current exhibit, Form and Function, the newly
opened youth-oriented ABQ art center, Warehouse 508, will be unveiling a
mixed-media mural on the south wall of the 516 gallery.
The project has taken six weeks, five teenagers, two
senior artists, one lead artist and a good amount of donated scrap
metal, found images, LED lights, fabric and paint.
In January, Warehouse 508 fliers, in collaboration
with 516 Arts, were posted around town in search of young artists
interested in participating in a mural project. From there, the
participants dedicated eight hours a week to the concept, design and
construction of the mural.
“They have a special energy and unique way
of digging into their idea storage spaces that always takes a project
much farther than I could have dreamed on my own,” Juli Cobb,
lead
artist of the project, told Local iQ in a recent interview. “The
mural
represents our understanding of ‘form and function.’”
This, said Cobb, is just one of
many youth art projects supported by Warehouse 508.
“The Warehouse is the project’s sponsor and the project will stretch over four exhibits at 516 Arts this year, with a new mural designed for each exhibit,” explained Cobb.
A few years back, when the former city administration began banning underage concert-goers from seeing their favorite bands, the youth of Albuquerque spoke up. Because they weren’t old enough to drink, they weren’t old enough to see the bands that inspired them to make their own music. In Santa Fe, Warehouse 21 has offered art programs and all-ages shows since 1997, so why couldn’t the City of Albuquerque offer the same respect and opportunities for young artists in their community?
In response, New Mexico Xtreme Sports, a non-profit organized to involve youth in hip outdoor activities like wakeboarding, rock climbing, skateboarding and snowboarding, together with 508, set up a Civic Plaza spectacle called “Fight for the Right,” with music, live art and a truckload of snow from the Sandias (which they turned into a mini mountain for snowboarding in the middle of downtown). More than 1000 kids showed up, sending a message to the mayor that led the city council to back Warehouse 508.
“It got their attention,” said Amy Dalness, director of 508. “It said, ‘Look how the youth will come out if you provide them with something entertaining and fun.’”
After several attempts to get the ball rolling, Warehouse 508 finally opened its doors last October. The downtown building, purchased by the city, is 26,000 square feet, and once the place is finished (the renovation of the space is occurring in three stages), will carry a youth-run retail store where young artists will sell their works, and a basement with more classrooms and band rehearsal spaces. Presently, on the main floor, artists check in at the welcome desk. Off to the side is the “Mac Shack,” a U-shaped room of laptops and other techie devices. On the other side of the Mac Shack is the club. The other 10,000 square feet is used for skate events.
Warehouse 508 became a place where kids can take classes in design, photography, film-editing and learn everything from how to hang an art show to how to become a stage hand. Warehouse 508 is also a youth-run concert space with wood floors, a good-sized stage, a cushy couch, LED lighting and a disco ball.
“We have a beautiful venue rooted in music,” said Dalness. The youth choose the bands, book and promote the shows and hang the fliers. “Even if an adult band comes in, we get youth bands on the bill,” she said, under age 25 (and) preferably under 21.” 508 also teach kids how to run the sound board and design lighting for the sets. “We just had our first graduate of the program, who’s working here now.”
Warehouse 508 is near bus lines and the Rail Runner so anyone can get there. The city wanted the building to be in “everyone’s neighborhood,” said Dalness. The Warehouse also has a strict “no drugs, no alcohol and no violence” policy.
“They inherently understand the underlying need to respect each other, themselves, the place and people providing the opportunity, the materials and equipment,” said Cobb, who has worked with youth artists for the past 15 years on creative projects like the mural, “This is what the Warehouse is all about. The youth get that.”
OPENING
Form & Function Mural Project
By Warehouse 508 in Collaboration with 516 Arts
Opening reception:
4-6p, Sat., Feb. 27
516 Central SW, 505.242.1445
516arts.org
warehouse508.org
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