“It’s not like this weird thing,” explains Artistery manager-booker Aaron Shepherd. He’s talking about artist collectives, and he’s right: Getting a group of creative people together and hosting shows or sharing studio space is not such a novel idea anymore. But the Artistery—which is celebrating its sixth anniversary this Friday—is novel. And the all-ages, alcohol-free venue owes much to its humble, bearded and perfectly named leader.
Considering the massively arty feel of the place—original artwork hangs on every available chunk of wall—one might expect Shepherd to be a bit eccentric. But the earnest 28-year-old, who is seated in a basement room cluttered with recording equipment, is more a natural-born leader than a flaky beatnik. A Milwaukie native, he’s responsible for organizing tenant meetings (the Artistery is part studio space, part residential), booking concerts and shaking folks down for rent.
Initially a place for young, male Christian artists to “hone their creativity,” the Artistery was founded in 2001 by Peter Jenkins. Shepherd, who had moved into the Artistery’s original home on Southeast Milwaukie Avenue as a “helper,” took over in 2003. The Artistery has since moved to Southeast Division Street and become a home base for such noteworthy local artists as the Watery Graves, Adrian Orange and Modernstate, as well as bigger-time acts like Jesse Sykes, Calvin Johnson and Karl Blau. “It’s a billion things to different people,’ says Shepherd. “Not to be super-elitist, but...there’s a quality control.” And there’s a professionalism that sets it apart from house venues. “Our thing [is about] getting people together,” he says. “The big buzz word these days is ‘community’—and ‘organic.’ So, ‘organically’ get your friends together [and] form a ‘community.’ It’s difficult, but it’s worthwhile.”
When reminded that responsible, organized people aren’t a dime a dozen, Shepherd says, “That’s probably true. But I think [leadership] is in a lot of us. I didn’t want to do it. You just learn it. It’s kind of like jumping into water [from] 40 feet up. You’re like, ‘Uh...it’s forty feet.” The good shepherd’s advice? “Just jump.”
The Evolutionary Jass Band, the Watery Graves, Angelo Spencer and
Baptist Arms play the Artistery's 6th anniversary party Friday, Sept.
28, at the Artistery. 7:30 pm (free BBQ at 7 pm). $5 (includes Live at the Artistery 2003-2005 compilation for first 100 attendees). All ages.
Read the extended Q&A with Shepherd on LocalCut.com.
