In late January, a fire in the former Alexander Smith Carpet Mills building in Yonkers cast doubt over the Carpet Mills Arts District’s future.
The blaze destroyed a dozen small businesses and two artist studios but was contained to a building adjacent to YoHo Artist Studios. The complex featuring more than 50 artists was, however, brought to a standstill.
We reached out to Catherine Latson at the time, relieved to know her studio – a bright corner space we visited for a September 2014 story http://www.wagmag.com/of-a-fashionable-nature/ – was not destroyed.
We asked her to keep in touch, and she’s let us know that the 14th annual Open Studio tour event will be held this year.
The organizers have shared the full details of what’s gone on after the fire:
“Since then, the 50-plus artists have galvanized their efforts to help ensure the safe and speedy resurrection of their community of painters, sculptors, photographers and craftspeople. Please join them in celebrating their successful restoration of studios and to support them and their work.
“This free event is a unique opportunity to tour the YoHo Artist Studios and see firsthand where and how their artwork is created. Visit with the artists in their studios and come walk the halls of the historic Alexander Smith Carpet Mills factory building and newly designated Carpet Mills Arts District.”
The event, set for May 6 and 7, will run from noon to 5 p.m. each day. It will also feature live music, children’s projects and food vendors. The studios are at 540-578 Nepperhan Ave.
For more, visit yohoartists.org.
– Mary Shustack
