RAW Art Works in Lynn, MA is a non-profit organization that provides youth with a creative home where they can safely explore difficult personal and community issues through the creation of art. RAW’s new gallery is part of a revitalization of Central Square that artists and cultural organizations have helped drive for the past several years.
This project consists of first floor renovations of RAW’s 4-Story building to create a large open space for studios and gallery exhibitions, with a dramatic new first floor façade that facilitates public proclamations of RAW’s mission and its artists to the larger community. This new façade incorporates a large multi-function steel “box” with a folding window inserted into the front of the building.
This box serves several functions: it can act as a store-front style display of RAW art and sculpture; a translucent screen drops down out of the ceiling allowing audiences to view films or slide presentations from in- and out-side the building...
... moveable platforms can disconnect from the raised floor inside the folding door – rolling out to become pedestals for sculpture and revealing a wrap-around bench for hanging-out in the void they leave behind...
... and lastly, these rolling platforms can come back together to make a stage for performance, presentations, and other declarations of RAW’s incredible spirit.