Nurture artists in NW Bronx

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To the editor,

I read with interest your story about the thriving Yonkers art studios (“Forget SoHo, talent shines in Yonkers,” May 12).

Wouldn’t it be amazing if a similar situation could be developed to serve practicing artists in the Kingsbridge, Marble Hill and Riverdale areas? Something accessible by public transportation.

Perhaps rather than charging rent, in a profit-based situation, occupancy could be in exchange for artists’ offering their time and services back to the community — with workshops for young children, teens and senior citizens.

There are so many stores that are empty, primarily due to escalating rents that are driving mom-and-pop shops out of business. Why not engage landlords in contributing something positive to the area where they own property? Rather than letting their real estate fallow, they could be part of growing the arts in our area. (Check out Chashama in Manhattan, which “nurtures artists by transforming unused property into work and presentation space.”)

Creatives are a vibrant part of our society, with a lot to offer. With the input and action of elected officials, educators and the local community board, maybe we could build something of value.

Marcia G. Yerman

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