The History of the LOFT Artist Association.

The Loft Artists Association was founded 1978 as the vision of three artists; sculptor James Jackson Burt, painter Sophia Gevas and folk art curator Dan Prince. Looking to create a community of working artists, the trio set up studios in the vacant Yale and Towne Lock Factory in Stamford’s South End. Their grass roots effort soon attracted other artists, many quite well known, such as renowned sculptor, Reuben Nakian. It was during these early years, that the artists first opened their doors and created what would become an Open Studios weekend. Each year, the artists opened their studios to present art, music, films and dramatic events with guest attendance soaring far above expectations. As many as 4,000 visitors have come over a single weekend to roam through the lofts, meet the artists and discuss the artwork.

historical location

Over the course of 40 years, the Loft Artists have occupied three different locations in Stamford’s South End. After vacating the Yale and Towne building, The Loft Artists settled for many years in an old warehouse on Canal Street. With two floors of studios and a generously sized gallery, open studios events continued to flourish as well as an annual schedule of gallery exhibits highlighting the extraordinary talent of the membership. For the past six years, the LAA has resided on the second floor of a red brick building at 575 Pacific Street. Two renovated galleries and 14 artist studios have enabled the group to remain true to their cause of providing artists with opportunities to work in collaborative environments and share their talent with the community through exhibits and educational outreach. Over the years, LAA has partnered with The Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Laurel House, SUNY Purchase, The Ballet School of Stamford and many other organizations. Supporting grants from organizations such as the Stamford Coliseum Authority, Pitney Bowes, Xerox, The Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Foundation, The Louis J. Kuriansky Foundation, the City Arts Partnership Program, Connecticut Office of the Arts, The National Foundation for the Arts and others, support the LAA’s efforts to create cultural awareness and promote art education in the City of Stamford. We are grateful for this support along with the many private individuals and businesses that give annually to help sustain our mission.

growing membership

Throughout its history, the LAA has cultivated and supported a diverse array of talented artists. From the earliest days, artists have been attracted to the collaborative environment where artists interact between studios and design unique and innovative exhibitions. Over 300 artists have shared their skills and vision with the organization since the founders first occupied Yale and Towne in 1978. Many of these artists have gone on to successful careers in the arts and some continue to show their work throughout the country as well as internationally. Others have remained local supporting the LAA by either maintaining their membership or promoting the organization in the greater community. The Loft Artists continue to seek and attract the most talented area artists and are committed to building a high quality, collaborative community of artists in Stamford’s South End.