Eleven:Eleven- Capitol Hill’s ‘Little Campus’ of Autonomous Art

Kevin Cooks, Jac Smith, Carolyn Hitt, Julie-C, and Japera Burress, On the Block resident artists.

Excerpt’s from the Capitol Hill Blog article by Alex Garland:

On 11th Ave between Pike and Pine, a new chapter of art and creation with a familiar cast of characters has opened. Eleven : Eleven represents the culmination of years of work by Blue Cone Studios and Forever Safe Spaces: a presentation gallery that its creators say gives the community a venue to showcase art without the limits that have blocked and separated artists in the past.”

“With a name that can be a reference to synchronicity and manifestation, Eleven : Eleven doesn’t exist in isolation. It is part of a broader network through the area that includes Blue Cone Studios (a 10-year-old arts space up some rickety stairs), The Study at Cry Baby Studios and So Below Photo and Design, founded in 2020, all operating on a “pay as you can” model with programming led by community members.”

“Those behind the effort say they hope opening of Eleven : Eleven is part of shifts from private creation to public engagement. Julie-C, a co-founder involved in the Seattle Artist Coalition for Equitable Development, frames it as part of a larger mission: transforming how creative labor is valued in society.

“For residents and community members, Eleven : Eleven represents validation that another way is possible. As one resident artist, Lady P, simply put it, “Everything that On The Block is doing has literally saved my life. Like, if it wasn’t for these spaces and me being able to do my artistry in these spaces, I don’t know where I would be.”

Eleven : Eleven stands as proof that you don’t need traditional gatekeepers, significant individual wealth, or compromises with commercial interests to create thriving artistic spaces. In Seattle’s increasingly expensive landscape, it’s a rare offering: a place designed by artists, for artists, and for a community that deserves access to creativity.”

Read the full story by Alex Garland with more quotes and photos at Capitol Hill Blog.