Mayor DeMaria Visits Paris Street Gallery

Mayor DeMaria presents Alvin Colon a citation commemorating the recently opened art studio. Also pictured are other members of Paris Street Gallery.

Mayor DeMaria presents Alvin Colon a citation commemorating the recently opened art
studio. Also pictured are other members of Paris Street Gallery.

Mayor Carlo DeMaria congratulated Alvin Colon, a Boston Resident, who recently opened the Paris Street Gallery on 101 Paris Street. The Mayor visited Colon and other members of the Paris Street Gallery to present them with a citation commemorating the joyous occasion of recently opening the art studio.

Colon is an original member of the art program from Roxbury, referred to as the Young Graffiti Masters.  Colon has been very involved in the arts since a young age and has worked with the city of Boston creating many murals for the community including a mural for the late Leonard P. Zakim from the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) that faced the Mass Pike on Lansdowne Street in 1995, titled “Stop Handgun Violence, Action for World Peace”.

In addition, Colon was also involved in the very first graffiti art show at the Massachusetts State House in 1995 titled: “Graffiti in The House.” His most recent project was for the Boston Police Academy in their weight lifting room.  It features a man lifting a barbell- the weights being two police badges with the districts painted onto them.

“As I set foot into the Paris Street Gallery I was truly amazed at how unique and special that space has become,” states Mayor DeMaria, “I am ecstatic that Alvin and other talented artists have decided to come to Everett. It is a great addition to our City and I welcome these new contributing members to our City with open arms.”

Colon found the space at 101 Paris Street, after several people pointed him to Bill Gear, the property owner of the warehouse.  Colon contacted Gear and introduced himself as an artist looking to temporarily rent a warehouse to paint a mural on a trailer. Gear told Colon that he did have a place, but it may be too dusty for that type of work. He then began to express to Colon how he had always had an idea of converting one of his buildings into “some type of artist’s studio space”, and invited Colon to assess the location and see if he would be interested in the project.

Colon went to see the space and immediately ideas started flowing through his mind, but at the time he was not ready to take on the project. Colon told Gear that he would keep it in mind and give him a call.  Seven months later Colon’s lease at his art studio/gallery expired and he made a move for the Everett space.

“My goal is to bring some inspirational events to the City of Everett and to offer a space for all to come enjoy and be creative with their talents,” states Colon, “Words cannot express how much I appreciate the opportunity to be a visionary in such a wonderful place”.

Along with Colon, Paris Street Gallery currently has three different artists renting out space.  They include Audio Chemists, a group of musicians, DJs, and music producers that utilize the space for music production and DJ and recording lessons for students; Tom Glynn, a musician and songwriter; and Faith Verrill, an Art Manager and a playwright, who utilizes the studio as her own personal office.

The gallery provides art exhibitions, music, dance, and performing arts events.  It is also available for gallery booking, gallery visits, event rentals, artist studio space and more. Eventually, Colon will like to have open houses were all studios will be open to the public and residents of all ages can come enjoy classes with artists and live entertainment in the gallery.

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