In a burst of creative energy, ASU alumnus Joey 'G.' Grether combined his connections within the downtown Phoenix arts community to forge a collaborative production studio called Fillmore Creative.
The studio is adjacent to Grand Avenue on 13th Avenue and Fillmore Road and was established in early December as a workspace for artists to produce and share their creative efforts.
“Grand Avenue … used to be speckled with art spaces,” G. said. “It’d be neat to see it more invigorated.”
He said a friend told him about the building when he was searching for a space to house his sewing lab, called Endless Seam. He originally intended to rent just two of the rooms until friends looking for production space approached him.
As a result, Fillmore Creative now gives artists a place to produce their creative ventures. A photographer, seamstress, tattoo and graffiti artist, and recording artist for local rap label Crown Records all use the space.
“Ideally it’s a cultural hub, an engine — a production space where people can come in and create,” G. said. “I wanted to create a space where you can step into the production cycle.”
G. said he holds a strong belief in the value of production rather than consumption.
“I feel like we kind of all buy into pop culture because we’re taught to be consumers rather than producers,” he said. “That’s a big drive of mine in our culture, trying to get people to produce more.”
Tattoo artist and muralist Angel Diaz said he decided to join Fillmore Creative for the workspace.
“Whether it’s for painting a big canvas or whatever, it’s my base of operations,” he said. “Everything I make in here is sold.”
Diaz said seeing the end result of his work gives him a sense of reward that can never be priced.
“Whether I’m getting paid or not, I get paid,” he said. “If not with money then with props.”
Seamstress Jenna Wilson said she was excited to have a place to design and produce clothing.
“I like the vibe here," she said. "Anyone can come and get artsy. It’s really welcoming.”
Wilson said she was surprised when she received a call from G. about the space just a few days before she intended to purchase her own.
“It’s nice to have a roof that we can all kick it under and have room to work on projects,” she said.
G. said it is important to support the local community to develop and promote a sustainable culture.
“The way out of all these monstrous issues that we face with the economy, poverty and debt is localization of culture,” he said. “The art scene can lead the way.”
Reach the reporter at kmmandev@asu.edu
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