Artistic space

Adam F. Jarrold Arizona Daily Wildcat Matthew Hunter, left, and Michael Rose, founders of Press 101, mix photographic chemicals in their darkroom.

But Michael Rose and Matthew Hunter (with a little help from Erman the German Shepherd) decided to shut us up. They created Press 101, a photography darkroom, gallery space and music hall all rolled up into one little building at 101 W. Fifth Street, one block west of Stone. Hunter is head of the music hall, and Rose is the main creator, as well as the darkroom head.

"As an artist, you find yourself working with the community to do art projects; you don't want to create a space where people can't see what's going on," said Rose. He wanted Press 101 to be exposed to the public. "My art thrives most when I'm in a space and reflecting ideas off of one another and learning from each other, rather than just solely from oneself," said Rose.

He created Press 101 as "a raw space to design art exhibits of unique, individual character." Rose wanted "to find a place for artists to express their work. Press 101 became good for that because of size and location."

At Press 101 you can rent darkroom space with 24-hour access for $125 a month; you bring your own chemicals, Rose provides the room. "It's their own space to work in," he said, "to create their own little setup."

"We have dozens of artists using this space to create art, music, theater, drama - there's all sorts of stuff coming in," Rose went on. "Filmmakers, videographers; some people came down from TCCC (Tucson Community Cable Corp.) to record for the cable access channel."

That's only half of the building - the other part is the gallery/music hall, a big, inviting, open space with that perfect underground warehouse feel to it. Rose said people's response to the facility is strong; they like the "real raw form."

They've had four or five multimedia shows and performances in the space since July. "I work together with the artists to design each show," said Rose, so each one promises to be different and creative. The next one is scheduled for March 7 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. (doors open at 9:30), and Rose is looking for people to participate - the shows are open to all artists who want to bring in their work to display. Since Press 101 is also a concert hall, the show will also feature live music. Currently, Annie Hawkins Band is booked and a couple more acts are still tentative.

Press 101 is fairly new to the Tucson scene, and there's lots of empty space that's not being used. It runs on donations and support from users like you.

Rose also gives an open photography workshop Thursday nights from 7:15 -9:15, and he invites everyone to drop in. Call 884-0278 for more info. on the class, renting space, or shows.