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March 1, 2007 Finding large available spaces at reasonable rents in our high-priced area has always been a challenge for painters, sculptors, photographers, designers and others whose income or passion is derived from the arts. If anything, the market only has grown tighter. The Lock Building artists in South Norwalk were evicted by redevelopment several years ago, and that group's members scattered elsewhere in Norwalk and to Bridgeport and beyond. About 60 members of Stamford's Loft Artists Association face the same predicament when they leave the Yale & Towne complex off Canal, Pacific and Henry streets by the end of June. But Antares hopes to provide an option. It is negotiating to buy another building nearby that could house at least some of the artists until that particular building is redeveloped. It may not be a long-term solution, and rents have not been finalized. But the Loft Artists are used to uncertainty. The sale and redevelopment of the Yale & Towne complex was thought to be "imminent" for 20 years before it happened. Even a temporary approach would be better than none. The Loft Artists are an organized community group that does outreach with children and service agencies and opens its studios every year to the larger Stamford community. The artists' work and civic contributions add a depth and texture to life in Stamford that otherwise might not exist. While help from Antares is appreciated, the city also should look beyond any short-term arrangement and do all it can to find more permanent quarters for these working artists, who bring so much to Stamford.
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