TRINIDAD — What is now the Trinidad Art Gallery, at 490 Trinity St., will soon become the Trinidad Art Gallery LLC, an artist cooperative.
Though the name is similar, the building has recently changed owners. Out of several business proposals, the Trinidad Art Gallery LLC was the proposal chosen to occupy the space. The name chosen remained so similar as an homage to the late Ned Simmons, previous owner of the building and the Trinidad Art Gallery business, as well as an artist and community activist.
Part of the proposal sent to the current owners, the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust, was to remodel the space, but remodeling takes money, something artists don’t typically have in spades.
That’s why next Friday (Oct. 5) during Trinidad Art Night, they are asking for the public’s help. Several prominent artists, all part of the cooperative, have donated pieces to be raffled during the fundraising event. These artists include Susan Morton, Kris Patlaff, Elaine Shore, Colinda Gutienez and Barbara Wright.
The pieces will be on display from 6 to 9 p.m. next Friday. Raffle tickets will be available for $5; buy as many tickets as you like and enter them for the specific piece you wish to win.
The vision of this new cooperative is different than some, in that it will be offering community events and performances. JD Jeffries, a musician member of the co-op, will be playing originals and classics during the fundraiser. There will also be wine and h’ors doeuvres served.
The remodel is scheduled to begin by mid October and be completed by mid November, just in time for the holidays.
