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January 25, 2008 STAMFORD - Hoby Rosen is still settling into his new studio. Rosen, who has been a member of the Loft Artist Association for five years, says he likes the LAA's new building on 845 Canal St. in Stamford, he just needs time to get himself unpacked. "I need to put all my pictures on the wall," said the sculptor and photographer. "The building is beautiful, much newer than the last. But of course, there was something good about the old building." This coming Thursday the LAA will be celebrating the grand opening of its new gallery and artist studios, with an exhibition called "Art Moved," featuring the works of LAA artists. LAA moved from the Old Yale & Towne complex on Henry Street to the Canal Street location just several weeks ago. While the new facility lacks the shear size of the Old Yale & Towne complex (it took up an entire city block), it offers artists a more close knit environment. One that LAA Co-President Shelly Denning believes provides artists with an abundance of creative energy. "This space is smaller, but it feels like you're part of a community," Denning said. "(At the old building) you'd have so much space between studios that you didn't see people, and it could feel like not a lot was happening. (Here) people get more excited about the shows because they're seeing and hearing what everyone is up to." Denning has been a member of LAA for seven years, and said the association currently has about 60 members. LAA opens up membership about once year, and, to become a member artist, prospective members must submit their work for review. LAA will occupy the second and third floors of 845 Canal St. The building's 25 studios line the hallways on both floors. As for Rosen, he likes the close proximity. "I think the fact that other artists are here helps me in the sense that it motivates me to work," he said. LAA - which was founded by the late sculptor James Jackson Burt, Sophia Gevas and Dan Prince, had called the hulking, brick factory where Yale locks were once manufactured home for the last 30 years. It became a place where young artists could share the scene with more established colleagues, creating a professional art association that has been beneficial for artist and community, according to Denning. Over the years, LAA has produced lecture series, arranged studio tours for students and Stamford residents (which happen once or twice a year), supervised public art projects, and staged art demonstrations and poetry readings. The new location's 25 studios vary in size, and in each you'll find artists working on anything from carpentry to sculpting to painting. The building is also equipped with a 1,200 square-foot gallery for shows. LAA has long been supported by grants from foundation like the Rosenthal Family, as well as from the city, which helps to supplement membership dues. "Mayor Malloy has recognized from the get-go how important it is to have arts in the city," said copresident Lina Morielli. "He (Malloy) is completely supportive, and this organization is really close to him. He and his wife love the arts." Both Morielli and Denning said LAA's relocation could not have been made possible without the help of Antares Investment Partners, which purchased the Yale & Towne complex in 2005 as part of their Harbor Point redevelopment project. Antares also owns the building at 845 Canal St. "It's important to recognize the fact that Antares has participated in this and made it happen for us," Morielli said. Jim Cabrera, co-founder and managing partner of Antares, said LAA is an important part of the Stamford community, adding Antares was happy to help. "We recognize the importance of art and artists in the neighborhoods we're trying to build," he said. In Rosen's studio, a 25-by-25 foot room with a view of LAA's old location, clay and wax sculptures line his work station and shelves. You'll also find the first sculpture he ever made: a two-foot, twisting, almond-shaped alabaster marble figure. "I went onto to clay figures, and then I starting working in wax," Rosen said. "I work exclusively in wax now." On Thursday, LAA will be joined by Mayor Malloy, Antares, Harbor Point and other members of the Stamford community at the "Art Moved" reception. Many long time members, such as David Burt, Susan McCaslin and Kevin Robinson, will be showing their work. Rosen will be showing a photo he took of Rome's Coliseum. Looking towards the future, Denning and Morielli both hope they will be able to offer more programs for students and young artists, stressing the importance of showing their work in a professional setting. "I think sometime the parents don't realize how talented their kids are," Denning said. "And when they see their kid's artwork up above, with everyone's else; the parents reaction is just wonderful." LAA will continue to do what it has always done, which is offer artists an environment to grow, Denning said. As for Rosen, who didn't start sculpting until he was in his 40s, he couldn't imagine his life without the LAA. "It's very good, it really is. My studio is a part of it. I'm a part of it, and I've made some good friends here. It really is a great way to work," he said. "Art Moved" is taking place this coming Thursday, Jan.
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