Leigh Conner and Jamie Smith are very pleased to announce the purchase of 1358-1360 Florida Avenue, NE, Washington, DC as the new location for Conner Contemporary Art and *gogo art projects.
The property, a former auto body shop, is a 12,000 sq. ft. complex with two interior levels as well as an enclosed outdoor area for the exhibition of large-scale sculpture, video projections and installations. Conner Contemporary Art and *gogo art projects will occupy the 6500 sq. ft. ground floor space featuring two exhibition areas and a permanent video/sound room. The 4300 sq. ft. second-floor space is currently being developed.
At a time when galleries face rising rents in commercial sectors of major cities including DC, New York and London, the acquisition of this building is an investment in our artists' futures aimed at sustaining the integrity of our gallery program and securing its self-determination. We are redesigning the building to provide large spaces with adaptable features that will stimulate artistic experimentation and innovation. The new environment will be dedicated to expanding and strengthening artists' initiatives at all career levels.
After 8 years in our Dupont Circle (DC) location, we eagerly embrace the challenging role of a pioneering fine art gallery in the raw and inspiring atmosphere of the Trinidad neighborhood.
During the renovation work this fall season, we will be open by appointment Monday through Friday 10am-6pm, while concentrating on our participation in art fairs (Pulse London: October 11-14, 2007 and Pulse Miami: December 5-9, 2007), museum/institutional exhibitions and expanding our roster of international artists. In concert with these objectives and our continuing internet presence, we will strive to establish an international art destination within DC's emerging Atlas arts district in the H Street Corridor.
The new gallery is accessible from the New York Avenue and Union Station Metro stations. On-site parking will be available by reservation and complimentary shuttle service will be provided from Union Station during certain hours.
