621 Gallery struggling to stay open

For 38 years, 621 Gallery's been an ever-changing venue for art lovers and artists. But the last three years have been the hardest. It's in danger of losing its rent-free space at Railroad Square Art Park.

Nan Boynton founded the gallery and art park. After she died, her children inherited the property and continued their mother's dream and legacy of having an arts space and park.

"It's through their support that we've been able to stay open for as long as we have been," said Lauren Baker, the gallery's director. "The gallery has been in flux with funds, with space and with volunteer support for many years. I think this is a dip we're experiencing. And I'm hoping we can come out of this."

The gallery managed an annex that was used for experimental dance, film and music programs.

Baker said the redevelopment on and around Gaines Street has pinched the gallery's ability to stand on its own.

According the gallery's website, it's funded through local and regional grants, art sales, and fundraising events, in addition to four annual fundraising events. The gallery also lost a major funding source when it wasn't awarded a grant through the state Division of Culture Affairs and the Council on Culture & Arts.

For weeks, its "Save 621" fundraising campaign has stirred a smattering of support.

"We're just hoping the public can recognize what kind of value 621 has and the fact that we've been an educational center for the public for such a long time," Baker said. "And most of those educational events we host here are free. So we're just hoping for more public support."

From T-shirt sales, corporate sponsorship and donations, Baker said it can help. The gallery also has set up a GoFundMe page through June 1 with a goal of raising $15,000.

Baker hesitated to say when the gallery would close if the fundraising drives fall short of the goal. She's hopeful the gallery will survive.

"I truly believe we're going to get there," she said. "But that would be a conversation we have to have at a later date."

Audra Pittman, COCA's executive director, said the gallery is a coveted space for student artists and longtime members of the art community.

She said it's where they gather and explore alternative ways of presenting an arts experience.

"One of my favorite experiences is "Art for Dinner" that showcased all of the cool and unique talents of our artistic community through visual arts, performing arts, experimental arts and more," Pittman said. "It saddens me to hear about their financial difficulties. I think the owners of Railroad Square are always concerned about the uniqueness and integrity of the park, but I'm sure they have to consider their own costs as well. I hope this can be seen as an opportunity to restructure rather than close down the doors to the gallery."

The gallery occupies the largest space at Railroad Square Art Park and hasn't paid rent since its inception. Lily Boynton Kaye, the park's manager, said this agreement has been in place for 35 years, despite increasing property taxes and operational costs.

"Unfortunately, due to rising costs of maintaining a 1940's industrial park-turned-art park, Railroad Square can no longer afford to fully subsidize the rental costs," she said. "Railroad Square has been working with the leadership of 621 Gallery for the past year to try to establish a situation that allows the gallery to continue to subsist in a financially sustainable manner."

Boynton Kaye said the park's management offered a smaller space, among other recommendations on additional revenue streams. She said the gallery is "a unique resource for the Tallahassee community."

Contact TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com or follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.