Published:
Canton, OH (January 27, 2010) – The Canton Development Partnership has partnered with downtown artist and business owner Kevin Anderson to turn a former eyesore at 331 Cleveland Ave., NW into a dynamic arts venue and gallery, Anderson Creative. The building, in the heart of Canton’s Arts District, is the first in downtown Canton to be completely renovated for the purpose of housing an arts venue. [gallery link="file" columns="4" orderby="rand"] The Canton Development Partnership (CDP), a department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, works closely with ArtsinStark to support and promote the revitalization of downtown Canton through the arts. The CDP teamed up with Anderson to restore the edifice both aesthetically and functionally to prepare it for his vision as a visual art space. The 2,500 sq. ft. space had been empty and deteriorating for nearly a decade. Though Anderson did and is continuing to do much of the interior remodeling himself, the façade was revamped with a brick overlay, new windows, doors and an awning by Oliveri Construction. Standard Plumbing & Heating Company and Hilscher Clark Electric oversaw the updating of the electric and the heating and cooling system. Highlighting the aesthetic improvements to the façade is an artistic installation by Anderson on the south side, made of metal fretwork with eclectic, interchangeable letters. The dynamic installation currently states ‘Creativity Lives Here’ and will be changed periodically to different artistically inspired statements. The sign for his business, on the front of the building, echoes the style of the artistic installation. About 1,300 sq. ft. of the building is dedicated to gallery space for rotating exhibits, complete with track lighting and pristine drywall. Approximately 400 sq. ft. will be used as an art classroom. Anderson hopes to host classes and provide specialized artistic equipment, such as a kiln. The remaining 1,000 sq. ft. will be Anderson’s own art studio. Anderson and his family moved back to Ohio after living in Florida, where he had a successful custom furniture business. He had originally thought that in order to be in a burgeoning arts area, he would have to relocate to Cleveland or Columbus. However, a stop home to Canton and attendance at First Friday opened his eyes to the inspiring potential of the Canton Arts District. “I’m incredibly grateful to the Canton Development Partnership and the Chamber for what they are doing to embrace the arts and entrepreneurs in downtown Canton,” said Anderson. His dream of being a part of the growth of a creative community is coming true, maybe where he least expected it, right in his hometown, Canton, Ohio. For more about Anderson Creative and upcoming exhibits, visit AndersonCreativeStudio.com.

###