From Slumerville…

1971 – East Somerville is home to the new, the immigrants, those seeking a new life. Years of neglect and rising crime turn an ethnic neighborhood into the bad part of town. White flight sets in as young newly weds leave the streets of Somerville for the suburbs of Bostons where raising a family is far more appealing.

1989 – East Somerville becomes home to townies, the entrenched residents who stay even though the area is known for it’s homeless and drug problems. The nickname Slumerville takes hold. It is categorized by rough bars known for being disruptive to the peace, convenient stores with bullet proof glass and cages on windows of stores to prevent vandalism and break ins.

2007 – East Somerville is, as always a home to the new, the immigrants and those seeking a new life. This time because of it’s proximity to Boston and low rent, it is a desirable place for those looking to work in Boston and live nearby and especially for artists. East Somerville Main Streets opens it’s doors with the hope of rehabilitating the neighborhood.

2014 – New Life is given to East Somerville thanks to emerging institutions like Carnival at Somerstreets, Chuckie Harris Park, The Somervision Street Scape and the first new T-Station in nearly 30 years opening in East Somerville at the newly forged area of Assembly Row.

The Present – a new crisis hits Somerville as rising housing cost force the artists out – the very ones who helped transform it from it’s less desirable form to the vibrant neighborhood is it is today. A final remnant of Slumerville sits astride the McGrath Highway – welcoming travelers as they ride through Somerville, almost asking people to avoid the old neighborhood. Shuttered and caged, 545 McGrath is currently an Abandoned Liquor Store in East Somerville reminding us that ghosts of the past can still haunt us.

The Future – 545 McGrath needs to get with the times. And now is the time to do it. Out of the remains of Slumerville we hope to raise Studio Ablisteaso – an artist live / work space right on the border of East Somerville. Stewards of the city are working to transform this tiny building into a mini art center that will be both an ambassador welcoming people as they drive through the city and as a destination for the cities many cultural events such as Open Studios, The Illuminations Tour and Porch Fest among others.

We need your help and we need your approval. Please work with us to help turn this underused property into something the City will be proud of. Let us put the ghost of Slumerville to rest and raise a new Spirit of Creativity!

What we plan to create
– A low cost artist work / live space for two Somerville artists
– A gallery to showcase artists from around Somerville
– A building that showcases art – including murals and lighting displays when appropriate
– A roof deck to celebrate porchfest
– A low cost production studio that is open for others to rent and utilize

Matthew Martino is a 4th generation East Somerville Resident and a certified Somerville Artist. He has served on the Board of Directors for both East Somerville Main Streets and The Somerville Chamber of Commerce. He was head of the first committee to produce Carnivale at Somerstreets which continues to this day. His production Company SVG Films has produced the feature film Chainsaw Maidens here in Somerville. He also launched The Armory of Horror – Somervilles largest Halloween show at the Arts at the Armory building. Studio Ablisteaso represents the culmination of his dedication to the arts in Somerville.