THE INDEPENDENT SPACE

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE STORE.  Members receive additional complimentary original print from community or student artists.

I was interviewed by Nancy Yurkovich one of our Certified Art Instructors currently working on her Master's centered on community art.  I answered a few questions and it was very fun to put our everyday philosophies into words. Thank you Nancy for the opportunity to be a part of your work!

By Nancy Yurkovich and Tara Morrison

The Questions are Nancy and the answers are Tara, the Owner and Director of the Independent Space.

 I would like to feature The Independent Space on my blog called "The Art Compass". The purpose of the blog is to promote community based art programs, events, exhibits, and local artists of Berks County. Please take a moment to answer the following questions.

1. What is the mission statement of your art venue?

‘Covered in paint, up to their elbows in clay, open exploration with refined technique.’  An eclectic mix of Reggio Emilia, self-taught art and classical technique with cutting edge art education coming right from the University.

1. What types of activities are available at your art venue?

Openings, live music, film screenings, workshops, open studios, lessons and community events.

1. How do the activities and events at the art venue benefit the members of the community?

They are entirely community voted!  We try out programs and see what works and build a program from there.  We hire University Art-Ed graduates and have pre-educators gaining teaching and observation experience here with our fine arts/Art-ed internship program.

We partner with as many small independent businesses for events possible.  Our market foods are from small farms promoting their work. We give a place for community organizations and small business to live and grow.

1. Does your art venue offer classes for children and/or adults?

Both, all ages!  Our core crowd is 2 – 14 and there you will find the majority of our workshops, camps and events.  We offer private and cooperative lessons for ages 14 and above with University fine art and Art-Ed students and we host adult workshops and regular live model draws.

Does your art venue support the work of local artists?

Yes!  If you tell us it is art, you will not receive an argument from us.  Bring your work, show it here.  This a place for exhibition, review and growth for your work.  We have had an amazing array of upcoming and established community and student artists.

Does your art venue off other cultural arts events to the community? (For exampe: live music, film screenings, etc.)
Yes!  Our crowd for these events is growing, it is exciting.  The gallery is phenomenal for acoustic sound, it just surrounds you.  Same for watching a film, cozy and familiar.

Thank you Nancy!

Please visit and subscribe to Nancy's blog at www.theartcompass.blogspot.com, all about the ever-developing art community in Berks county!

We are now hiring art educators for our SUMMER PROGRAMS!  Certified Art-Ed instructors, Pre-educators completing certification and help with an art interest needed.  Must love kids! 

All summer camps are M - F  12 - 4 pm.  Pay begins at $18 an hour for certified instructors.

Come by Monday 11 - 6 pm, Friday 11 - 4 pm or Saturday 1 - 4 pm for an application.

THANK YOU for being a part of this!

Jack Wright  Bowerbird, Philadelphia

MEMBER THANK YOU CONCERT

JACK WRIGHT returns to the Space.

World-renowned improvisational jazz musician Jack Wright returns in town for a one-night performance.

FREE MUSIC & FOOD for MEMBERS. Let us show our thanks for your support and listen to the original sound.

JACK WRIGHT & Norweigan group SULT.

7:30 pm   FREE MEMBERS                

Please donate to the artists.

UNIQUE SOUND.  UNIQUE EVENING.

Thank you for your support.

Pat Hull from Brooklyn, NY   Feb. 24

We have had an unbelievably talented array of original music coming through here from all over the world.

Thank you to all who have and will play your sound here.

MARCH is for MEMBERS!

Participate in the Affordable ART SHOW at a reduced rate!

MUSIC & FOOD Event with Jack Wright Mar. 25  7:30 pm

New Member benefits include [2] FREE hours in the Space.

Cooperative Lessons NOW Member Only No cover for all independent music.

A 20% discount on all Art, Music and Language Lessons by University instructors & a complimentary original miniature print to Member subscribers to the Original Works CSA, Community-Supported-Art.

Register for the MODEL SHARE this week, it begins Wednesday.

JOIN / RENEW Today and receive TWO FREE TICKETS to the SPRING  Local & Seasonal Dinner!

WE ARE FUNDED ENTIRELY ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT!

COMING THIS SUMMER College-prep Mentorship Programs!

We have students from the University available for a pre-college ART & MUSIC mentorship program for high school students.  This will include guidance in refining their skill and will also act as a immediate and long term mentor in their studies and professional path.

WATCH HERE and HERE for updates. 

Contact us with your interest in this program.