Garfield Galleria

About

An art building in Downtown Phoenix. Home to 13 individual working art studios and galleries. Stop by the next 1st Friday to see what it's all about!

Story

What is a galleria?

galleria (n.) A roofed passageway or indoor court usually containing a variety of shops or businesses.

What is garfield galleria?

garfield galleria is 12,000 square foot commercial building located at 316 West McDowell in Downtown Phoenix. Inside you will find 13 art spaces ranging in size from 200 to 2000 square feet. The galleries and working studios are individually run by the artist or owner who rents that space. We are open on First and Third Fridays from 6 PM to 10 PM and for art openings and special events throughout the month. Please check with the individual art space for their schedule.

How do I lease space at garfield gallera?

Art space at garfield is rented on a one year lease. The spaces range from $325 to $1200 per month. Utilities, an informative web page, a vinyl door sign and a building listing for both First Friday and Art Detour are included in the rent. The security deposit is typically 1/2 of the monthly rent. Please call (602) 349-3049 or visit urbanstructure.net to check availability.

How can I show my work at garfield galleria?

We do occasionally have available hallway space for guest artists in the common area. You can call Donna at (602) 349-3049. Some of the spaces operate as galleries as well. You will need to contact the individual artists at the building. You can find their contact info @ www.garfieldgalleria.com

Does garfield galleria allow outdoor vendors and musicians?

Yes! We are currently looking for outdoor vendors and accoustic musicians for our events. Please call (602) 349-3049 for details.

How did it all start?

With building permits dating back to 1936, garfield galleria was originally built as an apartment building. In the 60's it became a Baptist church and then converted to office space some time after that. It's last corporate tenant was March of Dimes.

I found the property in May of 2002, on a quest to escape corporate America. I was working as the Director of Property Management for a large commercial real estate firm in the valley and realized that we had a very different set of ethics. After 11 years in corporate America it was time to use what I had learned and do what I always wanted to do...

The property had been for sale for a year with no takers. Half of the property was vacant. The few tenants that were here included a fine gentleman who beat up his girlfriend on a regular basis, an underground body piercing shop that did human suspension with meat hooks in their spare time, and a peculiar man in his sixties who ran a drug and prositution ring.

Yup, as I stood across the street looking at this big monster I decided this was it. On June 12th, 2002 garfield galleria was born. My last day of work was June 28th, 2002.

It's been a bumpy road. I've scrubbed public toilets, mopped floors, pumped out flooded parking lots, had the roof cave in, pumped water off the roof during a lightning storm and delivered phone books to make the mortgage payment. I've laughed, cried and got back in line.

Looking back on everything that's happened, I write this with a smile on my face because today is February 21st, 2007 and I'm looking forward to my five year anniversary as my own boss.

Thank you to all the wonderful people who brought their creative energy to garfield galleria over the years.

It's the people who make the building!

- Donna Trigilio