Not long ago, the garages on E Cherry St across from the Garfield Community Center were just plain old garages. Today, they are packed with artists doing everything from painting and printing (whether at Miss Cline Press or Tutta Lou) to industrial-scale pieces and mixed media. Some artists have private studios, while others share space (see our recent profile of ALTSpace). Work is featured in an art walk the second Saturday of each month.

With Coyote Central making its permanent home in the corner lot and 2522 E Cherry leasing out studio space, is this block quickly becoming the hottest arts strip in town? Is property owner Ron Rubin’s plan for a revitalized shopping district working? The Seattle Times recently profiled Rubin and several Central Space artists:

Back in 2008, property owner Ron Rubin wanted to turn the block on East Cherry into a shopping district with artists and street merchants that would thrive on pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Rubin said he hoped that creating more street activity would “get eyeballs on the street” and deter crime, he said.

“My real motivation was urban renewal, to make it safer, more walkable and more livable,” he said.

…

“It’s taken on a life of its own now,” Rubin said. “I don’t think we changed the Central Area. I think we changed a couple blocks. … The people who live there get all the credit. I just created the vision and stepped out of the way.”

The quickly growing art scene on the block will be showcased August 13 for the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk. This week’s art walk will feature live music at Twilight Exit and free paper making demos.