SARASOTA, Fla. (SNN TV) – It’s an unfortunate development for local artists in the area. Work from 30 local artists is currently on view in the historic two-story gallery.
For 43 years, Art Uptown served as a gathering place for working artists in the city. The membership model allowed artists to use the space to connect with other local artists, create new projects in the studios and showcase their work to locals and visitors.
Some artists interviewed by the Herald-Tribune say some people have other outlets where they sell, but some don’t. Another artist said she knew it was inevitable when the landlady passed away. The new owner proposed a $7,000 rental rate a month, whereas the previous rent was $1,000. The artist said $7,000 is around the going rate, but said the previous landlady was “benevolent” with what she charged.
