Junctionview Studios

Ah, a farewell review to dear Junctionview.
Closing at the end of this month, Junctionview is a warehouse-​sized space divided into various sizes of artist studios. It is my understanding that an artist needs to apply for space, and then pays the rent per square foot.
I’ve been in and out of Junctionview several times, usually for the Agora shows. The artists open their studios for a communial gallery show and sweet party (music, food, drinks, performance art).
Every time I’ve been inside, I’ve become so overwhelmed with inspiration, awe, and envy. How great would it be to have a little studio space like this on the side! It must feel like a secret fort to rent space there. The benefit of an artists’ community (as opposed to just having a «craft room» in your house), is the giving and receiving of great creative energy.
I know there are other similar spaces around Columbus, but I sincerely hope all the displaced artists find the same kind of home– or move on to something even more amazing– in the future.
Beyond the amazingness inside its walls, the location of Junctionview was also great. The great location is also its downfall– soaring property values killed the radio star. Be prepared to trek to seedier parts of town for your artist community needs, though that arguably has benefits as well.
So long, Junctionview, and thanks for all the fish.

Sad to say, this place is getting torn down in the next few weeks. If you didn’t check out Agora X you missed out! The artists here are amazing, and you can find so many different styles all in one place! I’m sad to see you go Junctionview. I hope we’ll see all you artists around the city still!

It will be sad to see this place go down under. Last party here is April 13 for Agora X. Everyone come celebrate to the last Hooray of this place because they WILL bulldoze it down at the end of april 2013!

My only experience with Junctionview has been their recent Agora 9 event… but Holy Hocking Hills! This is massive! A hundred-​ish artists with open studios showing off their work; hundreds more artworks hanging in the halls. Then outside there’s a stage with live music plus a fashion show, many booths of various organizations and vendors, half a dozen food trucks… one-​stop art hopping. Impressive.

i had a nice time visiting Junctionview for Agora last weekend. Nice art, bands, food, PBR. Good times.
From the front of the building, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into (especially with the car art out front, not to mention all of the people in purple jeans). However, once I started winding through the hallways and the studios I found it to be one of the nicest labyrinths I have wound my way through recently.
I do have to say that if you are claustrophobic or aphephobic, this may not be the place for you. The hallways are narrow and somewhat awkward to negotiate.
It does make for a nice little afternoon of discovery. For Agora, most of the studios are open and the artists are there and open for chatting, if you are interested. Then, if you are inspired, most items are for sale and easy to purchase.
Inside, they also have some performance art and comedy and yoga classes.
Behind the building, they have a stage and a variety of bands play throughout the day. They also have a beer tent, some interesting local vendors, and several food carts and trucks.
I am SO happy that I found this event and can’t wait to go again. I am only giving it 4 stars because I didn’t find a piece to buy. Not to say the art was bad. I just need to feel giddy before I buy something. Next year!

The short: A good-​sized, defunct warehouse. Lots of tiny rooms within, set up to house independent artists. Some large rooms — for example a viewing room. No air conditioning. Talented painters, potters, jewelry makers, photographers, visual artists, nick-​nack and specialty gifts’ artists, and on, and on, and on. I absolutely love where this one-​story old warehouse building is located — the industrial, decaying past history of a now hip and happenin’ Grandview.
All the events that are held at this space, over the seasons, has solidified this gallery/​studio as an excellent working space (in my eyes).

Cnote was today and Cnote was awesome.
Sure it kinda sucked that I had to leave to find an ATM since they weren’t accepting credit cards — but at $ 100 a piece for such fantastic work it was worth the drive.
Picked up two great pieces by Sharon Bell and met both the artist and her charming daughter.
Good stuff.

About Tiny Canary: it’s an Indie design market at Junctionview. From 10am-​6pm, mid-​November, you can shop, free of charge, from about 40 local and regional artists. (how about that run-​on?) These artists offer the best of their talents in the form of note cards, art prints, knitting, t-​shirts, jewelry, perfume, and trinkets. Coffee and treats from Pattycake Bakery were also available for sale, so grab a snack and take your time appreciating every piece.
Some of the booths accept credit cards, but be prepared with cash. Or shop early on Saturday and come back Sunday ready to buy.
Parking is free, just follow the tiny canary signs directing you.

Proof that art exists outside of the Short North! And with that proof is probably the best gallery in town.
Junctionview Studios is home to the Couchfire Collective, a group of artists that as far as I can tell work in studio spaces located inside of Junctionview, and play host to some of the greatest art events in Columbus.
Agora runs twice a year and is making a name for itself as a hip spot to see and be seen, with tons of local artists helping to fill in the walls at Junctionview while most of their arts in residence open up their studios for you to browse through.
Tiny Canary is an indie craft market that takes place close to the holidays. Just another example of how Junctionview takes it back to the community by supporting local artists and craft makers. What better gift to buy someone than something hand made and local? That’s all the rage right now anyways.
CNote is a must if you’re looking to add art to your own art collection. Every single piece of work is sold for exactly $ 100, allowing art to become affordable to the masses.
The above mentioned shows and about a handful of other events every year are darn good reasons to go over to Junctionview. You’ll find creativity and talent without any pretension.

So my real experience at Junctionview Studios was to attend the latest Agora art show, and– wow! This place is awesome!
I don’t have a lot of experience with art studios and the like, being a man of letters and not the more visual arts, but my girlfriend had some pieces in Agora and as a dutiful lover I attended. I’m glad I didn’t fake some stomach virus to get out of what could have been just another boyfriend obligation.
Sure, it doesn’t look like much on its own. It’s basically an industrial shop and garage with drywall to separate some private artist studios off from one another, with a few big common rooms for gallery-​style viewing and larger installation pieces.
The staff at Junctionview, or at least their staff working Agora, were to the last one very helpful and friendly. That they can take what looks like what I imagine the back stock rooms at Lowe’s to be and turn it into a fun, large-​yet-​cozy gallery for a few days is an art unto itself.
Don’t be discouraged by the warehouse appearance. Get to an event at Junctionview– it beats all the galleries in the Short North (with the possible exception of Rivet, but then I’m such a sucker for toys).

Save the Empire!