THE HUDSON PROJECT | Raleigh, NC
EXHIBITION
There’s something about Raleigh. Among the top 10 fastest growing cities in the US, being a college town among college towns has helped it cultivate an especially vibrant arts community. And now, a new bright spot downtown: The Hudson Project by Artsuite. Located at 319 Fayetteville Street, the 4200-square-foot gallery space is part of Artsuite’s mission to activate non-traditional spaces with art and its commitment to help revitalize downtown Raleigh. Like many urban centers, the city has been deeply affected by the 2020 pandemic. “We want to support Raleigh's restaurants and retailers,” says Artsuite co-founder Marjorie Hodges. “If we encourage art enthusiasts to view new exhibitions, they will likely also grab a drink and dinner, or meet a friend downtown. Artists are an essential part of our community.”
By offering in-person, tangible experiences — in addition to its online arts commerce platform — Artsuite aims to make interacting with art feel accessible and exciting. Encounters with art can be powerful, and finding an elegant space to stage Artsuite exhibitions serves to enhance those experiences. The Hudson is a historic building opened in 1940 as the Hudson-Belk department store and was completely redesigned as a residential and retail center by Clearscapes in 2005. “The opportunity to activate a beautiful space designed by Clearscapes serves as an homage to the late architect Steve Schuster and friend Thomas Sayre,” says Hodges. “It’s a place that shouldn't be vacant or absent of art.” Artsuite will host quarterly exhibitions at The Hudson. Public openings and events will be planned when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Until then, viewings are available by appointment through info@artsuite.com and available works can be viewed here.
FOUNDER'S NOTE
“The Hudson Project, like other Artsuite projects, is designed to bring new people to art. Our goal is to encourage people to engage with art, to support living artists by acquiring art and to inspire new collectors and art enthusiasts.” — — Marjorie Hodges, Artsuite co-founder
In this unique urban gallery, Artsuite will rotate through a variety of artists of different backgrounds and mediums and is currently showcasing Jack Early, Sangsun Bae, and Martha Thorn. Their photography, painting and mixed media works explore a variety of themes, from identity and culture to global crises and human suffering. These artists all have works that benefit from close inspection. And because many of the pieces on display are large scale works that can be challenging to showcase online, a venue like The Hudson is an ideal space for people to get up close and personal with each piece. “Encounters with art are meaningful, and this exhibition is no exception,” says Hodges. “Three diverse artists, three different media. We hope to evoke joy and an understanding of the language of emotion and culture, to take a deeper look at humanity. Artists are great storytellers.”
The exhibition will be on display through the end of 2020 and may be viewed by appointment. For more information, email info@artsuite.com.
Why The Hudson? What was the process for securing this space?
“Interestingly, I curated this space with Kelly McChesney and Flanders Gallery 10 years ago. Then, for many years there was not an organized art program at the Hudson. The HOA and management there approached me about the project and I accepted. The residents are terrific and the guests are enjoying the art. The opportunity was completely organic.” — Marjorie Hodges, Artsuite co-founder
How has the 2020 pandemic affected the city and Artsuite’s mission?
“This year has had a destructive effect on the vibrancy of downtown. We must support a thriving city and one that encourages a live, work and play atmosphere. Raleigh has always had a creative vibe. We must do everything we can to bring it back and support everyone living in and around our city.” — Marjorie Hodges, Artsuite co-founder
Who can we see on display on the Hudson right now?
"Sangsun Bae, Jack Early and Martha Thorn"
