As long time supporters of regional contemporary art, CORE and its principals were contacted by a couple seeking to create a new, clean gallery space in a burgeoning neighborhood of Washington, DC. With a mission to showcase new and emerging talent, and interact with the arts community through the support of arts and cultural organizations, FUSEBOX was born of a collaborative and innovative approach that successfully overcame a limited budget and time constraints.
The program required a simple design to accommodate all forms of fine art, including installations, wall and floor displays, sound and large scale sculpture. The original former retail space was gutted entirely and rather than a custom concrete floor, concrete board was installed, sealed and given a high gloss finish to mimic a more expensive application. A revolving wall towards the rear of the space allowed for sectioning into 2 distinct spaces, or 3 exhibition ‘areas’ to accommodate crowds and various installations.
The minimal, white box as a vessel for displaying contemporary art was utilized yet expanded by the simple design, offering a comfortable and approachable venue. Limiting the available color palette forced artful manipulation of the more subtle elements of design - line, surface, weight, texture, light, pattern, thus the innovative and budget-concious use of materials and products to achieve the program. Located along the rapidly developing 14th Street corridor, this pioneering gallery has become a recognized pacesetter for emerging artists, and is noted for drawing great crowds to its openings and events.
