On Friday, May 9, 75 artists and members of our community gathered to celebrate something small in size but enormous in impact—the grand opening of the Hot Shops new elevator.
What might seem like a simple upgrade is, for us, a giant leap forward. We celebrated so much more than just a new way to get from floor to floor. We celebrated access, inclusion, opportunity, and progress.
In true Hot Shops fashion, we didn’t just cut a ribbon—we melted one.
Guests were treated to a molten glass ribbon cutting, a fiery and fitting tribute to our roots in industry and art. With the ribbon “cut,” we took the elevator up to the 4th floor to dream together about what’s next for Hot Shops. This was more than a ceremonial ride—it was a symbolic one, too. We celebrated not just the ride up and down, but the forward movement we made together.
Our new elevator stands as a physical and symbolic reminder of who we are. We’re an Art Factory—empowering people to make art. And now, with improved accessibility, we’re making sure even more people can say, “You’re welcome here. You matter. You belong.”
Thank you to all who gave financially to this project. Your generosity made the elevator a reality. Also, thank you to Nustyle Development, our construction partner whose in-kind support and creative problem-solving brought the project to life. We also want to celebrate the dedication of our resident artists, who not only contributed their talents and donations but helped build momentum through events that raised critical support.
Whether you contributed financially, advocated for this project, or helped push it over the finish line—your support has lifted more than steel and cables. You’ve helped lift creativity in this community.
We’re excited for what’s next—and the doors we’ll keep opening, together.