Art Takes a Village Too

You've seen galleries. And you've seen street fairs.

But you haven't seen this.

It's a new, large open space in Bend where the two seamlessly blend together.

Artist Stuart Breidenstein's longtime passion project, 9th Street Village, has finally set a launch date. This rather ambitious project, pulled off with the close collaboration of the adjacent DIYcave, takes an enclosed space featuring both artist studios and retail (now including Breidenstein's "Stuart's of Bend") and surrounds it with a larger outdoor area complete with mobile workspaces, additional studios, as well as street fair staples including food trucks and live music.

You might already know Breidenstein from his original small jewelry studio in The Old Ironworks Arts District. "Functional for what it was," he says of the previous location, "but not big enough to host other artists, or even to work on bigger projects like welding or furniture. The new space is over four times the size so bigger projects are possible."

The new space also features workspace for eight more artists.

Breidenstein's known for his innovative designs and functional kinetic sculptures. He specializes in eclectic jewelry, accessories and art.

"We want to create a 'village' type atmosphere," where we have a little bit of everything going on." That will include what he terms "tech stuff" (laser and plasma cutting, including 3D scanning and printing), as well as jewelry, textiles, leatherwork and sewing. Prices have a range as large as the variety of featured designs – anywhere from $5 to $5,000.

9th Street Village

Opening Wed., March 1 (hours to be announced)

909 SE Armour Rd., Bend

[email protected] (no phone)

DIYcave

541-388-CAVE (2283)