We know this valley is changing. In the world of contemporary art, it is bursting with youthful energy, and Garden City is its locus. Old warehouses and commercial buildings along the east end of Chinden Boulevard are converting to art spaces, brew pubs and wineries where on “First Fridays” (and on other regular hours) you can see art and artists on exhibit everywhere. In the old Culligan plant on W. 31st Street, contemporary arts thrive at The Common Well, its name a nod to the first occupant, a water company. I’ve known about The Common Well since April, but it took me until now to see what it’s all about. My bad. Don’t you make the same mistake!

Artists and entrepreneurs Katherine Shaughnessy and Amber Lawless are the co-founders of The Common Well. They not only envisioned what the beat-up old space could become, but with Lawless’s son, Grayson Lawless, they completed the demolition — which had been started by the building’s owner — and they finished remodeling the space into elegant workplaces, studios, and a commons area with a kitchen. These women have impressive skill sets, and they are a well-matched team. Shaughnessy commented that Lawless is a genius, “… she can do anything!” Handsome decorative tiles she created are used in the kitchen and restroom. Art by previously featured text artist, Stephanie Brooks, and local visual artists Kirsten Furlong, Lorelle Rau, Liz Hilton and Bill Lewis are displayed throughout the building and are for sale. An installation by Troy Passey on the risers going up the stairs features a poem by e.e. cummings.