FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Some local artists who called the Chris Sorensen Studios home, are now on the search for a new space to work.
Nearly 30 local artists gathered at the Chris Sorensen Studio earlier this evening to talk about resources available to them since now, those artists won’t have their usual workspace.
“The answers that I’m looking for I think are just what I think everyone here is looking for, what happens now,” Artist Kate Richbourg said.
Back on June 14, the Chris Sorensen Studio was made aware of nearly $15,000 of debt that would lead to the closure of the art studio. Artists have now been dealt with the task of moving their artworks and belongings by at least the end of June.
“From that confusion and that scary space and that shock, we need some help. Some ideas about where a new art space could happen. Does the city or the arts council have some resources for us and to just come together as a group of creatives to mourn what was,” Richbourg said.
“I moved here with the intention of staying a long time because this is my livelihood,” Artist Jojo Beazel said.
Nearly 30 artists decided to gather at the famous Sorensen Studio on June 19 to discuss ways to move forward. Studio owner Debra Cooper was also in attendance during the near hour-and-a-half-long meeting.
“We are really hoping to have a dialogue between the artists about what kinds of things are needed for the artists individually and collectively and how we can accomplish those. It could be that we form a co-op which several of us will definitely be doing. That’s something that we’re actively pursuing, we’re looking at commercial space to rent,” Bezel said.
However, not all artists have a solid backup plan after a notice to vacate was given on short notice.
“I know that many of us have already left, and many of us, I know this weekend, are looking to secure the rest of our possessions, I mean these things are the tools of my trade,” Richbourg said.
Artists with the Chris Sorensen Studio have planned a moving-out sale between June 21-23 to help with moving items out of the building.
