Yellowknifer looks to transform Hudson's Bay store into art school

The Yellowknife Artists Co-operative is looking to transform the old Hudson's Bay Company building into an art school.

Matthew Grogono is the self-appointed champion for the project in Yellowknife's Old Town. He says he's been working on getting an art school established in Yellowknife for 23 years.

"We have to establish a budget. We're estimating to get it up and running, it's going to take five years and $5 million," said Grogono.

The art school would have a large emphasis on music and mentorship, he said.

Before the artists co-operative can make an offer on the building, which is owned bylocal real estate developer LesRocher,it needs to finish its business plan. Thatwill cost about $30,000 and they're about$1,000 short of hitting that goal.

They've had monetary donations from government officials, such as MLA Kevin O'Reillywho gave $250, and former Yellowknife Mayor Dave Lovell. N.W.T. Health Minister Glen Abernethy, an avid music lover, recently donated an electronic synthesizer organ.

The Hudson's Bay Company store opened in 1938 in Yellowknife. After a fire, it was replaced with the larger warehouse in 1945. The structure was designated a heritage site in 1993.

"I started learning about this building in 1994," said Grogono. "Finally this year there were enough components in place to actually make a move."

The co-operative will fundraise and find sponsors to cover the costs of restoring the building. It needs renovations, like removing asbestos and mildew.

Grogono, who's also the founder of Old Town Glassworksco-operative, wants to get a glass furnace installed. It would be used for art and heating the building.

Grogono said this project could act as an example for repurposing old buildings into spaces for the arts.

The goal is to have the restoration project started in the fall, and have some public access by next year.