On the Edge of Transforming a City

City leaders dread vacant storefronts. In Superior, this dread is serving as the foundation to transform the City of Superior into an arts destination. “Research shows there is a need for a stronger presence of the arts in Superior,” says Kaye Tenerelli, Executive Director of Superior Business Improvement District (BID).

To achieve this, Superior BID, in collaboration with the Superior Public Art Creating Community Environments proposed a project called Phantom Galleries. The concept, modeled after L.A.’s successful Phantom Galleries Project, provides temporary exhibits of established regional artists in vacant storefronts in Superior’s downtown. The exhibits can be viewed from car or on foot, making the art accessible to all.

Today, the project is well underway thanks to a 2010 grant from the Community Foundation’s Morgan Fund. The field of interest fund, which was established by Richard and Elizabeth Burns in 1984, gives priority to projects that foster community pride or economically impact the Twin Ports. To assist in the project, the organizations brought on long-time Superior textiles artist Erika Mock as director. Erika says the project serves multiple purposes including exhibit space for professional and emerging artists. They can also sell their work. “This is something exciting for artists, the community and property owners” says Erika. “This is an opportunity to display artwork in a nontraditional setting while breathing some vibrancy into the downtown.”

Long-term, Kaye believes Superior’s downtown is on the edge of transforming into an arts destination that would benefit the entire region. “This project is an absolute must,” she says. “This could potentially lead to long-term gallery space in our downtown or attract a new or existing business in the region that has a strong appreciation for the arts to our downtown.”