Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Lundin.
Hi Richard, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Front Street has a rich history. In the mid 1800s, the buildings were initially developed for envelope production. Every envelope the federal government used was produced here. The daily production numbers were 14 million envelopes per day! In 1965, when the production was moved to a more efficient facility, Zimmel and Katherine Miler bought the property to provide economical space for artists and small business. Yep, the concept of maker space is not so new! Over the years Front Street. has become the epicenter of creativity in Dayton! Although I joined Front Street 8 years ago, Zimmel’s daughters, Debra and Kathy Miller are still part of Front Street, which today houses over 140 artists and artisans, small businesses, and start-ups.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Every business has its challenges. Front Street is consistently looking for ways to get the word out about all the unique, wonderful artists and artisans resident at Front Street. I’m so very impressed by the level of professionalism our artists and artisans bring to the table. Original art is available any day of the week in all price ranges.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a partner/owner of Front Street and actively manage the buildings. Throughout the last 8 years, I’ve revitalized the property and invigorated First Fridays at Front Street, which is very well attended. Today, Front Street houses the largest community of artists and artisans in the Dayton metro area and is home to cutting-edge art galleries, including Gallery EDU, a gallery for students jointly managed by Wright State University, The University of Dayton, and Sinclair Community College. I’m actively involved in the artist community; Front Street is a sponsor of Wright State ArtsGala and Levitt Pavilion, free musical for all. My wife is a graduate of Leadership Dayton Class of 2020 and together we formed a non-profit foundation, The Front Street Global Artists Initiative, whose mission is to expand the reach and education of Dayton-based artists and to bring global awareness about the deep artistic talent and scope of the Dayton Arts Community. To date we have sponsored an artist to attend a prestigious internship in Dakar, Senegal, and sponsored a symposium in Dayton by nationally recognized Tiger Strikes Asteroid, to talk and learn about artists-run spaces.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
The Art Show, Think TV
Contact Info:
- Website: frontstreet.art
- Instagram: frontstreetartist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frontstreetartist
