VG Kids spurs affordable creative studio space

Being an artist in Ypsilanti is becoming a bit easier and cheaper, thanks to SPUR Studios.Excerpt:Not satisfied with the relative lack of affordable creative space in the area, VG Kids Printing founder James Marks and a subset of the crew at his independent screen printing shop in Ypsilanti are making an attempt to remedy the situation. Their solution? SPUR Studios. “We are trying to make a great place for artists by providing them with a building they can make into their own, drawing inspiration from that, and [from] each other’s ideas,” said Steve Emschwiller. Steve is part of James’ screen printing crew and is the main contact for the music community over at SPUR. “Basically, its a grassroots, DIY type of project. We are starting with no funding, no outside money whatsoever, and we’re building from there.”A do-it-yourself theme seems to flow through in the process of leasing each individual space as well. Save for a basic set of ground rules, tenants are welcome (and encouraged) to paint, rip up carpet, and do what they want to each individual space. “We want the building to come together by each tenant’s own personality,” Steve said.Read the rest of the story here.