Near Southside, Inc.
A new community art space is opening in Fort Worth, claiming home in the Near Southside Cultural District.
The Pool, a 2,400-square-foot venue located in the ground floor of the Everly Plaza, 1801 8th Avenue, will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday with a collaborative exhibition featuring more than 30 glass artists from SiNaCa Studios.
Managed by Near Southside Arts — a sister organization to Near Southside Inc. — the Pool is a private partnership between Everly Plaza, Saigebrook Development, O-SDA Industries, and Near Southside Inc.
“The Near Southside has long been a hub of Fort Worth’s creative culture and we are proud that many artists call the district home and work," says Megan Henderson, Near Southside Inc. Director of Events and Communications. "The Pool is the culmination of decades of art advocacy, dreaming, and planning by a passionate community of artists and arts patrons. We couldn’t be prouder of the opportunity this community-owned space will provide to both established and emerging arts professionals in the Near Southside."
The Pool will offer a series of public and private showings of its inaugural exhibition, Vitro Moda, for three weeks.
Vitro Moda will honor chairwoman Evelyn Siegel, an iconic Fort Worth arts advocate, artist, and gallerist. Proceeds from a silent auction will benefit the mission of SiNaCa Studios — a glass studio, school and gallery on Magnolia Avenue.
The glass art exhibition will conclude on March 26 at Fort Worth's semiannual FWADA Spring Gallery Night — the first of many for The Pool.
The new community arts venue will continue to partner with artists, nonprofit organizations, and communities to offer affordable and accessible art to the entire community.
“Artists are a vital part of Fort Worth’s culture and economy and their impact on the Near Southside’s success is undeniable," Henderson says. "It is our hope that The Pool serves to support these important professionals as they further their career at every stage. The Near Southside is eager to provide artists with the space, opportunities, and support needed to ensure their continued investment in Fort Worth.
