Local artist Joseph Bradley was devastated on Oct. 14 after reporting his art studio caught on fire and completely burned down.
Announced in August of 2021, the studio had been a process in the works for three years, work that was made increasingly complicated even before the fire due to COVID-19.
“…To see the finish line of being in the space before Christmas and finding out we had to start from scratch left me feeling gutted,” Joseph Bradley says.
An investigation as to the cause of the fire is currently underway, but no arrests have been made as of now.
As upsetting as the loss has been, Bradley says he is “overwhelmed with gratitude” after The Furman Company heard about the fire and offered one of its spaces in the Poe West Development until his studio is rebuilt.
Due to the builder’s insurance, 100% of the rebuild costs are covered. Builders and engineers are still examining the site. If the sole concrete wall left standing is salvageable, construction time will not take as long. Bradley estimates a move-in date of early spring 2023.
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Bradley did not lose equipment or artwork as his previous move-in date was not until December. Justin Walker, of Village Tattoo, is leasing space within Bradley’s studio and did not lose any equipment either. Walker currently works at Persecuted Tattoo and will remain there until Bradley’s studio is complete.
Bradley will be having an open studios event on Nov. 11-13 at the temporary studio on 556 Perry Ave., Suite A102, directly across from Unlocked Coffee, where he encourages those who want to show support to stop by and say hello.
“That would mean the world to me,” he says.
Bradley’s exhibition with Art & Light Gallery at The Anchorage has not been affected and will continue on Oct. 25 both virtually and in person through Jan. 14.
