About BAC

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Mission Statement

The Bakehouse Art Complex is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to attracting emerging and midcareer artists in South Florida to a workplace that provides affordable studios, exhibition galleries, and professional development opportunities.

History

The genesis of the project that would become the Bakehouse Art Complex was born in the Grove House on Main Highway in Coconut Grove. The Grove House was an artist cooperative originally located in the Coconut Grove Bank building before eventually moving next door to the Coconut Grove Playhouse. When that building was sold to the State of Florida, it was torn down and replaced with a parking lot.

In the 1980's, Helene Pancoast, Ellie Schneiderman, Faith Atlass, David and Nathalie Nadel, George Fishman and Ann Sams began a search of older buildings throughout the county which could be purchased, an important criterion to prevent the artists from being forced out by gentrification or rising land values at a later date. In 1984, a 3.2-acre complex of several buildings was located in Wynwood. Originally built in the early 1920's as the American Bakeries Company, the buildings had been unoccupied and available for sale. The Bakehouse Art Complex, Inc. (BAC) was soon formed as a not for profit corporation and purchased the property in 1986. The process of retrofitting the facility into working studios and exhibition galleries began in earnest and the Bakehouse Art Complex formally opened in early 1987.

In the late 1980's after being deluged with requests from local schools, social service agencies, family shelters and individuals, the Bakehouse started outreach programs. The Bakehouse initiated the Children's Art Workshops, a program so successful, it led to recognition by the President's (Clinton) Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

The vision of the founders, in purchasing the one half city block property, assures the Bakehouse Art Complex will be here to provide affordable rents for artists in perpetuity. Over the years, the BAC has continued to upgrade its facility. Currently comprised of two galleries, a classroom, print room, photo lab, jewelry studio, ceramic kiln, woodworking and welding areas, and seventy individual artist studios, these extensive facility offerings allow artists to discover, crossover, or integrate other media into their work.

From its inception, the Bakehouse Art Complex has provided emerging and mid-career artists with the opportunity to creatively explore and develop their artistic endeavors. The uniqueness of the Bakehouse is its ability to provide an engaging environment to its artists by inspiring and encouraging each other, and informing and attracting new artists. As part of its long-term commitment to the art community, the BAC’s educational programming is now focused on artist advancement and plans are now underway for the next stage of development.

The Bakehouse has evolved, as has the professional level of the art community of Miami. The artists, who are juried-in tenants, come from many different states and countries bringing with them many different intellectual, social and artistic experiences. By attracting and involving new audiences into the contemporary and culturally enriching world of the visual arts, the BAC continues to be an accessible vital resource to the diverse and dynamic South Florida art community and its patrons.

The Bakehouse Art Complex is tax exempt as a 501 (C)(3) 509 (a) (2) educational and visual art institution.

Press

BAC has been featured in a variety of newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and television programs.
Click to read and find out more information »

Board of Directors

Founders

Faith Atlass
Helene Pancoast
David Nadel

Links

Artoconecto
Chelsea Galleria
Daily Cocaine
Gallery Diet
Gen Art
ID Art
Imoderni
Locust Projects
Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami
New World School of the Arts
Plum TV
Social Miami