Mark Larsen, founder of the Artery has announced that the space will soon be closing after 26 years. The inner-city environmental art/performance space “is magic because of the abundant foliage as much as anything,” says Larsen. “That has been compromised.” New property development on the south side of the property is expected to kill trees along that boundary, adding to the damage caused by the 2011 drought. Although several months of programming are scheduled and are still being scheduled, Larsen admits, “I’m not willing to endure a drawn out pitiful end.”
The Artery has long been known for presenting performances, music, life drawing classes, art exhibitions, and other events in conjunction with political, social and educational causes. While many of these events have been recorded, Larsen and his gang have been vigorously documenting the various projects for the past decade for archives and for the 2007 Artery Media Project aired on KUHT-TV Channel 8. Larsen plans to continue this project with archival material and new content. “So whereas the space is being sacrificed,” says Larsen, “ the mission is still rich with a sense of purpose.”
