Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/666022
SNEAK PEAK high-tops meet high art at the new Converse headquarters. by RobeRt cocuzzo Move over, ICA—there's another art institution on the waterfront. The new Converse world headquarters on Lovejoy Wharf packs 10 stories of hip, contemporary design that pairs perfectly with the new Chuck Taylors Spring collection of Andy Warhol Pop Art kicks. But there's more than just sole power behind these new digs. Instead of covering the walls with marketing material, Converse's global creative director, David Carrewyn, suggested hanging museum- quality art. Converse CEO Jim Calhoun was more than game. "The thing I am most proud of is the Lovejoy Art Program," says Carrewyn, who designed the headquarters' entire 214,000-square-foot workspace, from its sound-proof ceilings to the locally made furniture. Today, works by "a dream cast" of 22 diverse, world-class artists—some already famous and some yet emerging, some local and others international—hang on each floor. The pieces run the spectrum in style, medium (from oil paintings to quilt installations), and subject matter. "We wanted as broad a range as possible," says Carrewyn. "Because we resonate with a very large audience, it's important for us not to pigeonhole ourselves into any kind of style. We want it as open as possible." If you want to make your own mark at the Converse headquar- ters, stroll down to its Lovejoy Wharf retail space at the foot of the building, at 160 North Washington Street, and design your own pair of sneaks. Available exclusively at this location, Converse Blank Canvas allows you to create custom Chuck Taylors from soles to laces. There are two customization stations in the retail space—the "Workshop" and the "Ink Bar"—where you can choose between textiles, signature features, and more than 150 graphics. Or, take it a step further and provide your own artwork to be printed on your new kicks. After all, that's what Converse is all about: inspiring creative expression while forever honoring tradition. It's a philosophy reflected in the Lovejoy Art Program. However, the exhibition itself isn't open to the public—this is a workplace, after all—but Converse is prepared to do it one better. On April 18, all twenty-two pieces will go on sale at an online auction. And here's the kicker: All of the proceeds will go to locally based non-profit Artists for Humanity… For Boston artists, by Boston artists! Online auction begins April 18 (previews open April 11) at paddle8.com; converse.com . PhotograPhy by roberto Farren (headquarters and retail); courtesy oF converse (art) bostoncommon-magazine.com 77