Con Artist Moving Back to 119 Ludlow

In November 2011, Con Artist moved on up to the ground level at 157 Suffolk Street, a relocation that subsequently increased the workspace for its members and the revolving gallery of events. Shortly thereafter, however, the local artist collective got caught in the crossfire of the law, so to speak.

It quickly became evident after a few successful events at 157 Suffolk Street, that landlords should never have leased the space to Con Artist.  The property resides in an R7A Residential District, yet the ground level was treated as commercial. The recent renovations to both storefronts had the neighborhood duped. In fact, there is still a “retail for rent” sign in the neighboring window at this same address.

What this means for Brian Shevlin and crew is another move. Con Artist is heading back to its subterranean digs at 119 Ludlow Street. And while much of the city was at the beach for Memorial Day weekend, they were busy packing up the goods for the return trip to Hell Square. It’s been a tumultuous two years on the Lower East Side…