MONCTON – A group of artists have moved from their studios to revive an industrial garage in Moncton’s downtown and make it a year-round cultural destination.
It’s called the Artisan Village where people are welcome to purchase local work, while also witnessing artists practice their craft.
And the Artisan Village’s president says, it’s working.
“When people can interact with the artist they tend to appreciate the work that goes into the piece that is made and become connected to that artist,” said Shane Myers.
The Village was awarded $50,000 by the province in 2012, which allowed the group to transform the space.
“In the past, artists were not very accessible to the public so I wanted to create something in Moncton where anybody could come off of the street and and be exposed to the artists,” Myers said. “This kind of a project helps artists immensely.”
Moncton has always had a vibrant art community said Myers, but artists were often out of sight. Like Hans Durstling, who used to work out if his basement. The jewelry and precious stone artist believes the Village has given him a practical place to work.
He said people do come by to watch him work. But he can’t say for sure if being here has helped him sell more product.
“It’s chancy. People who are interested in this sort of thing will come by here, yes,” he said.
But artist Nancy Allen said it was the best decision she’s made. Allen said her sales have increased since moving from her studio.
“I get great exposure. There are a lot of people coming through so people can see my art. It’s a place for my clients to come,” she said.
Myers said this is the kind of space Moncton needs to revitalize the downtown, which has been struggling to get foot traffic for years.
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