BE PART OF THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY AT 555

The 555 Gallery/Studio is open Thursday 7-10pm, Saturday 12-6:00 pm,
or by appointment. Please drop by to meet with the artists and volunteers
or view our extensive collection of art and watch the artis at work.

555 was founded in the Spring of 2002 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jacob "Monte" Martinez, Andres Garces, and Carl W. Goines established 555 on Third in a 1500 sq. ft. corridor in the Ann Arbor Technology Center, located on Third Street between Huron and Washington.

The Ann Arbor Technology Center began as an industrial warehouse but since the early 70’s had become a grassroots cultural community housing over 150 artists, craftspersons, musicians, and developing entrepreneurs. The complex was one of the few affordable spaces for studio rental in the city of Ann Arbor.

Having recently graduated from the University of Michigan School of Art & Design, Monte and Carl envisioned creating a studio and gallery setting where emerging artists, performers, musicians, and activists could come together, exchange ideas, and exhibit their work.

Using recycled materials, Monte and Carl began to rejuvenate and transform the raw industrial space. They saw the space as a sculpture in itself, adding walls, lofts, two separate exhibition areas and working studio space. 555 on Third quickly began to function as an exhibition venue, artists' studio, and performance space for artists whose work was not compatible with the town's existing galleries and university-related venues. In less than one year, 555 on Third hosted over 30 performances, musical acts, exhibitions and multiple community and artistic events.

Those who exhibited their talents included local musicians and artists, promising University of Michigan School of Art and Design art students, as well as Japanese visiting artist Takako Miyoshi. Collaborative efforts with the UM student group RadArt brought New Yorker cartoonist David Rees of "Get Your War On”, The Beehive Collective, and an all Stencil Art Exhibit with speaker Seth Tobocman, author of ”World War III”. The public responded with an average attendance of 75 people per event in the first year. By February of 2003, 555 gained two more resident artists and volunteer staff members Dan Gay and Steven Samuels.

The Ann Arbor Technology Center had been sold to the YMCA for the construction of its new state of the art facility the previous year.

Considered to be no more than an eyesore by the city of Ann Arbor, by June of 2003 the Technology Center was vacated and demolition began. With its loss many artists were forced to re-locate, some to basements and garages, while others had to find affordable space outside of Ann Arbor.

Along side the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre and the Peter Sparling Dance Center, 555 was one of few arts organizations to survive the loss of the Technology Center.

During the Spring of 2003, 555 relocated to the neighboring city of Ypsilanti in order to continue developing their sculptural vision and arts community. Membership grew to include artists Nicole Parker, Andrew Patterson, Raul Pena, and Gregory Stovetop. They began transforming a 13,000 sq. ft. warehouse into a den of creativity. Six months of bringing the building up to code slowed down the fast paced, growing exhibition schedule that was being sustained in Ann Arbor, but brought with it 555 staff’s ability to negotiate government process. Already based on community engagement with the arts by providing gallery and studio space for emerging artists as well as established artists, 555 members made the decision to officially become a non-profit arts organization. Weekly meetings were held, conferences were attended, and 555’s artists actively pursued the knowledge and the structure needed for running a non-profit.

In the spring of 2004, 555 gained members Matt Bierl, Sarah Evilisizor, and Trevor Stone who also brought with them exciting ideas about the arts and the potential for an arts venue.

555’s Detroit current location is in the Woodbridge Neighborhood, in the former Michigan Tent and Awning building, an industrial site previously used for the manufacture and storage of large tents and awnings. 555 leased the building on a five year lease and has been in the process of sculpting and renovating the 13,000 sq. ft. complex for studio and exhibition space.

Renovation began August 1st 2004 and the facility held its first exhibit entitled “Connections” on October 1, 2004. Currently there are thirteen individual artist studios, all occupied by local artists and 555 staff members. Communal work spaces for 555 members include a wood shop and a metal shop.

The Main Gallery is an open and spacious area, with over 2100 sq. ft. of floor space, two-story ceilings, large windows, and skylights. Gallery two or "The Red Room", is a more intimate space with 1300 sq. ft. of hardwood floor space, painted red brick walls, and bright windows overlooking the street below.

We moved again March of 2009 more--------

Carl Graulich