A Fort Worth-area arts nonprofit brings more than painting, drawing to the table
Josh Santillan sees drawing, painting and other art forms as a way of reviving rundown areas and bringing people together.
Santillan founded Central Arts of Bedford four years ago, and opened a space at the mostly vacant Bedford Meadows Shopping Center, which is now thriving.
Now, he needs a larger space to display art and to have events like concerts and art classes for children and adults. Santillan is talking to developer Durkin Enterprises and the city about forming a partnership to purchase buildings at 209 Bedford Road to expand programs and classes for the community in south Bedford.
“Bedford is close to everything. We are a gem in the Metroplex,” he said. “The one thing we don’t honor in this town is our location.”
Santillan brought his idea to a council meeting where he described his work in Bedford, Hurst and Richardson.
“The best way to activate vacant space is to bring in art. Take an empty, desolate shopping center and make it more vibrant,” Santillan said.
David Harrel, chief operating officer with Durkin Enterprises said he is working with Santillan to put art in vacant storefronts and organize popup events in downtown Richardson. The shopping center is home to businesses including the Lockwood Distillery Company and Communion Coffee. More businesses are coming on board, he said.
“Development always follows art. Look at Chicago and New York. Artists are the leaders in making areas people wouldn’t go to interesting,” Harrel said.
Central Arts also has a location in Hurst and is discussing projects with Glade Parks in Euless.
Mayor Pro Tem Amy Sabol said the city council is interested in the arts.
“We are definitely interested in any developer that would come our way. That would be a huge thing for us to develop that part of Bedford,” she said.