Artist Sanctuary is a stewardship practice.
It is rooted in the belief that creative work, land, and community require long-term care — not extraction, speed, or constant growth. Sanctuary is not retreat from the world, but a commitment to tend what sustains us so it can remain accessible over time.
Stewardship (n.)
The practice of caring for something on behalf of others — including those not present yet.
While Artist Sanctuary begins with creative practice, it does not end there. When
art is tended with care, it becomes a resource for community life — creating
spaces where people of different backgrounds and means can gather,
contribute, and belong.
Three Hearts is exploring how this stewardship practice might extend to shared
space and land — so sanctuary can be held collectively, not privately.
Imagine a large former light industrial, or lessly used church space turned into artist studios with shared large spaces - a foundry, a shop, ceramics - with partnerships around healing elements including tai-chi, meditation, acupuncture & a concierge service focused on connecting all community members to healing resources, other arts experiences and other avenues of service.
I happened upon this amazing church and overall space this summer, after going to see a church in Kensington, that while well priced, and in great condition, sat right on top of all its neighbors, and it did not seem that was best for that community.
An artist collaboration with an active church here...I feel it in my bones it would be AMAZING.
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Temple Presbyterian Church
A darling mid-century church with wonderful out door space.
I happened upon it, wondering, what is this building!!!
And when I saw the foundation block...1968...I said ok God, I hear you...let's activate this space, let's fill it with artists and community.
Yoga outside under the trees
Paper making in the court yard
A tool library (sorta like @West Philly Tool Library meets the Sculpture Gym)
A material library (think Resource Exchange)
Artist studios
Artist residency
The church still does its churchy things, while we get to know the neighbors
I would go door by door, getting to know each person, and working to bring them to the art, the movement, the healing of the space.
And this school is for sale....also could be very cool
2503-5 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19133.pdfThese are ones I have seen over the past few years and dreamed a bit about....
This property has been on & off the market since 2019 -
Has current refrigerator/vendor tenants that could remain and help offset costs
A little research outlined the property history a bit - below
Just saw this and have no idea about it other than it looks like it has more interior spaces and piles of promise
Looks like parking is currently being used for rental vehicle storage - could be a revenue stream to continue
Old brewery, some activity - no contact or digging on it
Also - not sure what the best way to insert these kind of images is...stay tuned...and suggests welcomed
