Gallery 2345

Art steps in as necessity mandates creative solution to troubling economic times

Valley business finds innovative approach to the recession through collaborative effort between the arts and business.

This valley wide dilemma was recently addressed by Elliott D. Pollack & Company's report titled "Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty?" Greater Phoenix Blue Chip, Quarter 4 2009.... "Vacancy rates in office are expected to be the same in 2011 as they were in 2009. The good news is than in 2011 they will have come down off of the peak in 2010. Very little new construction is anticipated, but absorption, after being negative by more than one million square feet in 2009, is expected to be zero in 2010 and almost 800,000 square feet in 2011. Thus, the recovery is likely to be painfully slow with vacancy rates by the end of 2011 in the mid twenty percent range."

Longtime valley business owners and residents Eduardo and Sheila Castillo are not unlike thousands of other Arizona families. A building which they have owned for over 20 years, and was occupied by the State of Arizona until recently, became another victim of the state and national economic downturn.

Faced with an unoccupied building, a continuing monthly mortgage, no new tenants or buyers in sight and months of unproductive searching for alternatives, the pair reached out to their network of friends and business associates.

It was during this process that the seed of new possibilities was planted. Arizona artist and family friend, Kathryn Henneman, met with the Castillo's at the 2345 building on East University to look for options. How could the building be repurposed to provide value, benefit and income to not only the owners, but others experiencing similar circumstances?

The group knew it would require a unique vehicle to revive the property and restore its place in the community. Obviously, taking a fresh look with some "out of the box" unconventional thinking would be a vital component. Many of the other strategies which were attempted had failed. Luckily, the financial institution and mortgage lender on the building also agreed to "re-think options" with the Castillo's to find a plausible, temporary solution.

Many discussions took place over a period of several weeks with a variety of individuals from different industries, all of whom had been seriously affected by the downturn. Believing that they were not unlike their ancient Phoenician counterparts, navigating through unfamiliar new channels, the group brought together their collective "know-how" for the common purpose of providing value to all. It was from this collective journey that "Gallery 2345" was born.

On Friday, May 14 from 4-9 pm a consortium of photographers, painters, sculptors and performance artists will launch their first illustrated presentation titled "PHOENIX RISING - Collaborations in Innovation" at the new Gallery 2345. Conveniently located at 2345 E. University Drive in Phoenix, the gallery is on the south west corner of 24th Street and University.

This exciting gallery opening and art show event is open to the public free of charge. Sheila Martin-Castillo will chair the inaugural event with Co-Chairman and entrepreneur Tom Sweeney.

Approximately 15 local artists will participate including prominent Arizona artist and sculptor Zarco Guerrero, multi-media designer and artist Jeff Zischke, abstract painter Kathryn Henneman and photographer Ron Ryden. Works for sale will range in style, price and medium.

The second show titled "Attitude and Gratitude" is scheduled on Friday, June 4, 2010 from 4-9 pm. The gallery will feature new exhibits twice monthly and is open weekends and by appointment.

For more information please contact:

Gallery 2345, Sheila Martin-Castillo, Curator, Direct dial 602-300-2682, Email: Sheila@castilloco.com