915 Spring Garden Street

This past weekend saw the last of Philadelphia Open Studio Tours, this time studios opened their doors on the East side of Broad Street. Once more there was plenty to see, but I almost exclusively focused on the studios found at 915 Spring Garden Street. This five story building celebrated its 27th anniversary this weekend, serving about 75,000 square feet of space to around 100 artists and musicians. Since they have been hosting open studios since the early '80s, 915 Spring Garden has provided a space for the oldest and largest open studio events in town. The building itself, however, has been around since 1909, functioning as the focal point of commerce in Philadelphia as part of the Reading Railroad.
There was plenty of art to look at on the walls, and many artists to talk to, but you could also take initiative to admire the decaying architecture of this building. I really do enjoy corrosion, mold, holes, dark corners, weird doors, slots, etc. This building still possesses many features from the early 19th century, from the mail system, to safes and locks, old fire alarms, light fixtures, etc. Additionally, half of the building faces the old train station, now overgrown with weeds and covered in rust. The other half of the building faces a shooting range.

Putting an end to this ramble, most of the "art" I admired was found within the structure of the building itself. The industrial era provided some amazing timely pieces made beautiful through corrosion and decay.

Never to be forgotten, the street and minute details found within it provide a constant art studio always available for exploration in Philadelphia and beyond.









For more information on 915 Spring Garden, or to find out how to get studio space, visit their website at http://www.915studios.com/ or simply contact Steve Donegan @ 215 880 6009 or donegan@aol.com

More images available at www.flickr.com/photos/dreymandi