The Wonder of It All
by Phillecia Cochran
In this uncertain economic climate, Columbus seems to be doing what it can to strengthen our local economy. And the focus on our local economy isn’t just behind government doors – residents are doing the same. Whether that means shopping at local businesses or eating at local restaurants, a lot of us are trying. And with that, a lot of attention is being given to the arts. A tour of Wicked, just came through, and with all the hubbub surrounding it, it surely did not endure disappointing ticket sales. And there are many more productions to come for the new season.
Now picture this. You’re a high school student immersed in a hobby – ceramics. Ceramics requires materials, oftentimes expensive items such as a potter’s wheel and kiln. Both of those things, you have access to at school. But what happens when you graduate? You’re not pursuing art as a career, and realistically, either you shouldn’t or can’t put the time and money into that kind of hobby anymore.
Now pictures this. You’ve just graduated from college with a degree in art with a concentration in photography. Your goal was to one day be a photojournalist, but your post-graduation earnings mean you’re renting an apartment. Not totally out of the norm, right? With renting an apartment and bringing in “post-graduation earnings” (nicer words for “not a lot”), you don’t exactly have the resources you need to build your own darkroom or set up your own studio.
The arts are expensive. And oftentimes, until you become fairly established and find your own market, there isn’t a huge financial payoff. So what if Columbus had a place that gave artists, and those just feeling particularly creative, the opportunity to explore that creativity? A place where that person interested in ceramics or photography could rent a small space to use as a studio. Or attend workshops. Or catch a concert. Or go shopping. Or even just grab a cup of coffee.
Enter Wonderland.
When the Wonder Bread factory on 4th Street shut down last year, it resulted in a vacant 65,000 square foot space. That empty factory is now being turned into Wonderland – a non-profit space that will give the public access to artist studios, shared workshops, exhibition spaces, a performance venue, rehearsal space, office space with conference rooms, and retail spaces. And on top of that, food and drink will be available with an expected bar in the music venue and coffee shop in the common areas.
Rather than turning Wonderland into a for-profit business, Wonderland is currently seeking a non-profit status. In doing this, they can seek grants that they wouldn’t be able to otherwise in a private business. Making Wonderland non-profit also has the added benefit of keeping rent costs lower.
One of the visionaries behind the project, Adam Brouillette, said Wonderland wouldn’t be just for the artist. “The requirement for Wonderland will be to build a diversity of tenants. Varied levels of education, experience, race, sex, orientation and artistic medium will be part of the equation.”
Wonderland’s Board Chair, Brady Konya, said this idea wasn’t the result of a lengthy study. “We’re creating a facility that meets an unmet need. There was no 5-or-10-year study of what it was going to take to keep people in Columbus excited about what was happening here. It was the result of a consulting project. It was organic with five or six visionaries aware of that need.”
Konya also explained that Wonderland isn’t necessarily just meant for the artist, but also the consumer. “We’re developing something that is commercially viable – an economic engine – that will contain a unique blend of emerging merchants, new stores, as well as, established local stores to which people already have an existing loyalty. Wonderland will offer original offerings that people will, whether that is purchasing goods or services, tickets to see a show, or buying a work of art. What’s great is that patrons can immerse themselves in creative contribution.”
While Wonderland isn’t expected to be open until the end of 2011, Konya expects that opening day will be one to remember. “It’s going to be crazy and exciting and a relief that it has finally come to fruition. When people not building the project see all of these elements coexisting – artist studios, flex space, exhibit space, workshops, merchants – they will understand what a unique element the space is for Columbus. On that first day, after all our work, there will be something very serendipitous about it. Plus, with the city turning 200 in 2012, we think Wonderland will play a crucial element in how the city will think about the bicentennial. It’s going to be a fantastic year.”
Though day one may be a while into the future, they’re already getting the community involved. On their website (www.wonderlandcolumbus.com), there is a contact form to express an interest in being a tenant, neighbor, enthusiast, or of assistance. In addition, at press time, Wonderland was asking the public to submit t-shirt designs for the project, which the public will vote on. After a final vote, the winning design will be sold online with proceeds benefitting Wonderland.
And there’s no lack of public interest. Back in April, a crowd of nearly 1,000 people was present at the former Wonder Bread factory for the first public glimpse into Wonderland. At press time, Wonderland had more than 900 followers on Twitter, and more than 5,500 fans on Facebook.
No part of Wonderland is yet open to the public. You can find out more through Facebook, Twitter, or read the latest on their website at www.wonderlandcolumbus.com.
Phillecia Cochran is Editorial Assistant for outlook: columbus. She is not a ginger and may die in the revolution. Though she very well may get a pass because of her fair complexion.
