A Denver artist and philanthropist is developing a group of artists’ studios in an effort to help up-and-coming artists launch their careers. Laura Merage, who has spent the past 30 years as a photographer and sculptor, is converting a 20,000-square-foot warehouse at 2350 Arapahoe St. in Denver’s Curtis Park neighborhood into 13 artists’ studios. The project, called RedLine, will also host up to four larger studios for visiting master artists from around the world who will mentor local artists.
“The idea is to help artists get ahead in their careers and connect with museums, galleries and other artists,” Merage said.
RedLine also will include exhibition space, a cafe and an art library. It will provide symposiums, lectures and educational programs for children. Artists who lease space in the project must agree to work with children on projects to help them experience art.
“Research has found that the arts is what kids need to help them with school, to be more imaginative and creative,” Merage said. “But with schools being in trouble, every time there’s a cut, it’s to the arts and music.”
The project is being funded by the newly created David and Laura Merage Arts Foundation. The foundation falls under the umbrella of the David and Laura Merage Foundation, which creates and supports education, health and social projects.
The David and Laura Merage Foundation reported assets of more than $40 million for the fiscal year ending in November 2006, according to tax documents. It reported contributions, gifts and grants of $1.74 million for the same period.
David Merage and his brother Paul founded Chef America, maker of Hot Pockets. Nestle paid $2.6 billion for Chef America in 2002.
Laura Merage paid just under $2 million for the building that will house RedLine. She plans to spend up to $800,000 building it out and expects to open the project next spring.
Area businesses and downtown boosters say RedLine likely will serve as a catalyst for rejuvenating a neighborhood now dotted with parking lots and homeless shelters.
“Any arts operation really does help to reclassify a neighborhood and position it into a more prominent, positive direction,” said Ivar Zeile, who owns Plus Gallery at 23rd and Lawrence streets. “Creative operations usually signal that an area has more promise than what it’s really held in the past.”
The River North Art District, known as RiNo, has extended its boundary about a half-block to include RedLine, said Tracy Weil, owner of Weilworks and co-director of RiNo.
“We can really use something like this in the neighborhood,” Weil said. “Some of our (members), when a building gets sold, get kicked out and they have no studio space.”
RedLine could become the anchor that links Curtis Park and the Arapahoe Square area to downtown, said Tami Door, president and chief executive of Downtown Denver Partnership Inc.
“Something like that will become a real gem in the fringe of downtown,” Door said. “When things start happening and people see other people come in to invest, it draws attention to the area. It gets people thinking about it.”
Margaret Jackson: 303-954-1473 or mjackson@denverpost.com
