Hatch arts collective to put down roots in hometown Hamtramck

Hatch: A Hamtramck Arts Collective has reached an important benchmark in its two-year history: the acquisition of a permanent home.

The collective was incubated with the idea that arts can be an economic stimulus to a city. As proof of its commitment to this lofty concept, the city has agreed to transfer the deed of its former police station on Evaline St. to the organization for $1 -- so long as Hatch raises an estimated $150,000 in renovation costs within a one-year timeframe.

"We're ready now," says Hatch president Christopher Schneider. "We're mature enough as a group to take on such a big responsibility."

The vision for the facility is a community arts center with exhibition, studio and classroom space, a gift shop and a kiln, darkroom and printing press available for member use. Schneider is hopeful that by summertime, enough work will have been done on the space to have at least partial functionality.

The good news is that Hatch's members and supporters bring a wide range of hands-on skill sets to the table. "There are a lot of people willing to chip in and help," Schneider says. Besides tradespeople, the nonprofit is looking to recruit a grant-writer and an accountant to help the team reach its fund-raising goal.

Until the arts center can be occupied, Hatch will continue to meet bi-weekly at Cafe 1923.

Source: Christopher Schneider, Hatch
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh