Art by Wash Studio & Community Center: Transforming Lives Through Art in Compton
Artist Mr. Wash is preparing for the opening of his latest exhibition, "The City of Compton: Then & Now," at his studio in Compton. The exhibition serves as a fundraiser for the construction of the Art by Wash Studio & Community Center, a proposed $15-million facility that will provide housing, studio space, and support for formerly incarcerated artists. The center aims to be a model for rehabilitation through the arts, starting with creative expression in prison and continuing into stable reentry.
The envisioned complex, designed by Morphosis Architects, will feature artist studios, an art supply store, and a small-business incubator. The project is still in its conceptual phase, with the timeline dependent on fundraising efforts. Compton Mayor Emma Sharif supports the initiative, seeing it as a positive pathway for former inmates rebuilding their lives and highlighting the city's creativity and talent.
Mr. Wash, known for his portrait work, is shifting his focus to places with his exhibition, showcasing the past and present of Compton through 16 paintings. The artworks capture the city's transformation over time, depicting civic landmarks in two temporal states on "split-screen" canvases. The exhibition aims to attract art collectors to Compton and encourage investment in the city's future.
The project has been largely self-funded through art sales and Mr. Wash's book, "Artists in Space," but significant contributions are needed to realize the $15-million build. Collaborations with individuals and foundations are essential to bridge the funding gap. The artist's vision for the Art by Wash Studio & Community Center is to create a vibrant space where people can not only view art but actively participate in it.
The upcoming programming at the center includes a spoken-word event, a concert, and a closing-night party with a film screening and DJ set. Mr. Wash envisions the center as a place where the community can come together to engage with art and creativity. As he continues to work on the project, his goal is to create a welcoming environment reminiscent of carefree childhood days spent playing under a water sprinkler on a hot summer day.