Story of bc studio5/20/2023 Greig is already in talks with other developers and building owners to plan where she can move the artists once the redevelopment of the current site starts. If there are any delays, we could go on for longer.” We don't know what's going to happen with the redevelopment. “The building is going to be redeveloped at some point. While the new locations are open for artists to rent, Greig can't guarantee any applicant more than 18 months in the space. Meanwhile, the PoCo gallery and studio space will be transformed entirely as just a studio space, she said.īetween the three, Braid St Studios can accommodate about 40 artists. “So what we're really doing is catering to different types of artists - artists who prefer to have their own studio, and also those who want to work in a collaborative environment.” is a little bit more like the original Braid St building where artists share a common space, she said. While this is “essentially an office building,” the other location - at 301 Sixth St. has individual studios with lockable doors, a meeting/workshop room, a commercial industrial sink and more. Now, with two new locations in New West, she got what her heart wanted. “My heart has been in New West, and it has always been my first choice.” While there, Greig continued looking for properties in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.Īside from people reaching out to her with leads on potential locations, she also received support from the the City of New Westminster’s economic development department to find another spot within the city. “I look at Port Coquitlam as a place for us to just get through the pandemic. Meanwhile, Greig moved to Port Coquitlam, to a “very small gallery and two-studio” space. Though the artists had to disperse from the art hub, all of them have managed to remain connected through an online group. “It was right in the middle of the pandemic and it was a difficult time but we received tremendous support from the building owner, Wesgroup Properties,” as per Greig. In the building, there were 46 art studios, workshop rooms, and a 2,500-square-foot event space that held art shows and sometimes, weddings, said Greig.Īfter about six years of operating out of the iconic space, Greig had to move out, as the building was to be redeveloped into a 34-storey residential tower. Distillery Greig turned it into a co-working space for artists. It used to be a winery building for the B.C. Greig found a 1929-built building - a historic building at 100 Braid St. “I asked myself, ‘Well, why can't I do it now?” So, I went and found a building.” So, instead, she decided to nurture the dream of being a full-time artist right away. I would paint and write full time.’”Īt that point, Greig was on a three-month break from work - she was suffering from PTSD, and couldn’t imagine going back to the hospital. Greig, who worked in healthcare back then, recollects answering that question: “I said to myself, ‘I would surround myself with a community of artists. On June 10, Braid St Studios will see the official launch of its two new locations in the city.įor Greig, the day will mark the completion of nine years since she embarked on a journey that was spurred by the question: “If I wasn't afraid to fail, what would I do?” The beginning of Braid St Studios “This is my home,” said the award-winning Métis artist. I'm extremely happy,” said Susan L Greig, founder of Braid St Studios, and a resident of New West for 20 years. (hence the name) in 2014, the co-working art studio had to shift base to Port Coquitlam for three years before making its way back to New West this spring. New West-born Braid St Studios is back home after spending a short stint away in Port Coquitlam.įirst started at 100 Braid St.
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