New Building,
Same Gage Spirit
Letter from Kathleen Allen, Executive Director | September 12, 2024
I am filled with gratitude for all that attended our grand opening this weekend. The support I saw for the arts and our new Gage space was inspiring. The artists we will nurture and the arts advocacy we will be able to do in this new space this fall and beyond is incredible.
Fall marks a time of transitions. For Gage, this has been a significant period of moving to our new building in South Lake Union. Through the herculean efforts of our staff, we transitioned from our home of over 20 years to a new space designed to nurture community-building and arts learning.
This move has been more than just a change of address. It has been a time to reflect on Gage’s core belief that “artists are made, not born.” This statement emphasizes accessibility. Becoming an artist is achievable with the guidance, mentorship, and skill-building that Gage instructors provide. However, not every aspiring artist has had access to this high-quality education. Our new space helps address physical barriers and we are also working to overcome other obstacles such as time and resources. We’ve increased tuition assistance and created new offerings like drop-in classes, intergenerational classes, and ArtLabs to fit the busy schedules of workers and families. There are still a few days to enroll in one of these offerings; our Fall Quarter classes are now online.
Transition is a process
Transitioning implies a process, not a sudden break, which fits Gage’s move to South Lake Union. Our approach to arts education remains unchanged. As one long-time summer camp instructor said, “New building, same Gage spirit.” Our commitment to building artistic skills and techniques as the foundation of creative expression continues. We offer many of our favorite classes from esteemed instructors along with new offerings. While the new space is different from the charming brick structure in North Capitol Hill, we’ve retained elements that our students will recognize. Look for the oft-depicted little green water fountain and design elements that reflect the brick of the St. Nicholas building, honoring the generations of art students who made Gage the vibrant, creative community it is.
Change can be challenging, especially when moving from a home of 20 years, but it can also be inspiring. For this Leadership Letter, I invite Classical Co-Director Paul Rosiak to share his thoughts on our new location. With a window now facing an urban landscape instead of a parking lot, Paul has settled into his new studio and, along with Co-Director Larine Chung, prepares for the Classical Atelier’s academic year. Paul shares his reflections:
“In the Classical Atelier, we create a calm, supportive, yet highly focused environment where students are given permission to fail while being pushed to achieve their highest artistic capabilities. Working from life is central to this practice. In addition to pursuing technical mastery, students learn to become highly present and deepen their attention, challenging preconceived ideas and staying open to what emerges. Though I will miss our Capitol Hill campus, I’m excited about the new space.
Drawing and painting have taught me that entering a new experience with an open mind and welcoming heart leads to possibilities greater than my imagination.
The students are the heart of Gage, and I’m excited to see the building filled with hardworking students, the beautiful work that will be made here, and all the creative ways we make it home.”
-Classical Co-Director Paul Rosiak
The work continues, with your help
Transitions like this move cannot be done alone, and Gage is grateful for everyone’s support. We still appreciate your help as we settle into our new space and improve our service for all students. The Next Level Capacity Campaign culminates on September 21, so there is still some - but not a lot - of time to make a donation. Every amount helps Gage continue to be the place where artists are made!
We look forward to seeing you at Gage for new classes, old friends, and a place where arts and community come together.
Warmly,
Kathleen Allen
Executive Director, Gage Academy of Art
P.S. We are not done with Grand Openings. Please celebrate with us on Saturday, September 14 from 6-8 p.m. the relocation of the Sculpture Atelier, joining Gage’s Georgetown, Modern Color, and Drawing Ateliers in Equinox, Georgetown. Learn more.
P.P.S. You may have noticed that with our new location, Gage has a new look. Read more about our brand refresh.