Ivory Tower Collective (ITC) in Railroad Square Art Park, Tallahassee’s thriving creative haven and one of its most renowned cultural destinations, celebrates its two year anniversary this Fall. Founded by Celeste Ivory as a creative workspace for various art projects, gathering place for arts organizations, and an exhibit venue. Three main rooms, measuring 9' x 14' + 15' x 16' + 48' x 30', provid
e studio and exhibit space. Housed in a former lumber storage shed for McDonnell Lumber Company, neighboring the National Register listed Old Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Depot, the historic building was constructed in 1941 and converted to studios and offices in the 1960s. The concept for the Collective developed from an understanding of the importance of expanding artistic opportunities and venue options in the community, and an awareness of many talented makers who are in need of alternative and accessible creative spaces to support the pursuit of artist endeavors in all forms. Ivory is a member of the Southern Art Glass Alliance (SAGA), a local glass guild that formed with the purpose of promoting glass as an artistic medium in the community, Ladies of the Northern Tier, a North Florida collective of female artists, the Seven Hills Handweavers Guild, a textile guild for weavers and spinners within North Florida and South Georgia, and the Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts Artists’ League, an informal group of local artists. Since opening its doors, ITC has hosted numerous exhibits highlighting local artists, socially engaged art and participatory art events, avant-garde theatrical performances, musical performances, and art group meetings. We plan to share much more of and with the community, stay tuned.
