Another one bites the dust; the David Castillo Gallery is moving from Wynwood to South Beach.
Since 2005, Castillo Gallery has been a strong brick in the foundation of Wynwood's burgeoning art movement, and in many ways, it helped shape the neighborhood from dilapidated district to holler-worthy hot spot.
But the honeymoon is over, and with rent spikes, party kids, and luxury developers moving in, Castillo and many other galleries continue to move out.
See also: Where Is the Next Wynwood? Miami Gallerists Predict the Next Gritty Art Scene
We can't say specifically what inspired the move, as attempts to reach Castillo for comment were not returned by press time, but in comment to the Miami Herald, the owner said the move was no sudden decision.
"My intention was always to be here for a decade, and then to open elsewhere," Castillo said. "After 10 years, most of the people who are interested in my artists don't care about a Second Saturdays or whatnot, they will come to see a particular artist regardless of the geography."
David Castillo will continue to impress true art appreciators at its new location on the 400 block of Lincoln Road.
"This is where I wanted to be," Castillo is quoted. "It will be similar size but in the heart of the Beach. I love it there."
With new doors opening in September, another famous face in the Wynwood scene is lifted. Spinello Projects and the Butter Gallery both reopened shop in Allapatah. Primary Projects, once located in the nearby design district, is now happily situated in downtown. There are rumors other galleries are considering relocation, and recently, New Times art critic Carlos Suarez de Jesus spoke to local artist Books IIII Bischof about the merits of such moves.
Bischof, a local artist and curator who first rose to prominence with his Primary Flight urban mural project in Wynwood, says downtown's integration of restaurants, businesses and captive audience of working commuters not to mention public transportation infrastructure, coupled with PAMM's presence will catapult the area's nascent scene into a cultural powerhouse."Without doubt, it is a major plus. What downtown has to benefit from is watching the Miami art community develop through its wild west youth that is Wynwood," observes Bischof, who together with homegrown artist Typoe and Cristina Gonzalez, are launching a massive new Primary Projects space in time for this coming edition of Art Basel after leaving the Design District.
"Over the years we have been involved in many conversations about the culture of the neighborhoods, the accessibility of transportation, and the professionalism of the galleries and the artists. Many of us have come of age or are coming of age and we are all looking for a community that incubates this process, again, we believe we have found it in Miami World Center / Downtown, the atmosphere, room for growth, transportation, and culture are all prevalent elements but Miami will need to rise to the occasion, make it clear that as a community they will support entirely, otherwise, we will continue to see an exodus of our top tier artists and galleries every few years," intones Bischof.
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