R-Evolution in Syracuse with Peace
an interview with Mike Haggerty
We sat down with award winning designer Mike Haggerty and asked him questions about his current project in Syracuse called R-Evolution Studios.
SM - Can you give me a brief description of what R-Evolution Art Studios does from the day to day?
MH – R-Evolution Art Studios is an independent collective of individuals and artists exploring evolution of the self and of the community using Arts as a vehicle. R-Evolution Art Studios is located in the Warehouse District in Syracuse, New York. Currently based out of the Gear Factory, a 5-story warehouse filled with plenty of raw space for artists to gather, collaborate and create in. R-Evolution not only refers to the collaborative collective of artists, but also the movement in which art transforms the way we interpret everyday life.
SM - When and how did this organization start? Was there a need for your studio in the Syracuse area?
MH - R-Evolution Art Studios began almost 10 years ago, when some of the founding members Ty Marshal Jake Lamana and Gina Marie Hilterbrandt began to have shows promoting local artists work. Just about 2 years ago, R-Evolution Art Studios found a home in the Gear Factory (Located in between 2 famous Downtown West Side Syracuse Neighborhoods: Tipp Hill and Armory Square.) The building, which we currently occupy, is steeped in history and was once the hub of the area known as "the cradle of invention." Hundreds of products that we take advantage of today such as the stopwatch and the first multi-shift bicycle were invented here. It is an amazing feeling to be working in an area that once housed so much creativity. Since, we made GF our HQ about 2 years ago, we have had great success working with the huge talent pool of artists in Upstate New York. The best part about it is we don't charge the artists to show, we encourage them to sell and we don't take a cut. There is a need for artists to show their work anywhere without being charged to do so.
SM - What kind of artists use your space, is it utilized just for music?
MH - The space is actually used as a 24-hour private studio space in between our big shows. From bands to sculptors, video artists to painters, graffiti artists to seamstresses and crafters to jewelry makers the space is used for any number of creative tasks and or endeavors. Many of the artists who are part of R-Evolution Art Studios have received national recognition for their work including ReZIST's illustration "Fits Like A Dove" which one first place nationally in AAN's annual graphic competition. R-Evolution Art Studios recognizes music as a powerful form of expression and many of the members are involved in local bands. We also book many live performers to play during our shows.
SM - What is R-Evolutions Art Studios role in the Gear Factory?
MH - R-Evolution Art Studios is the largest recruiter of artists who will potentially rent out studios with in the GF and dually we are the "curators" of the Large scale seasonal shows.
SM - What are the future goals for the studio?
MH - R-Evolution Art Studios plans to take over the world. 1 Art show at a time. Ha!
SM - Funny... So what does Sundae Market mean to you or how do you feel about the market coming to Syracuse?
MH - We are very supportive of anything that gives local artists an outlet to share their work.
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