I'm a little late to the game on this, but I was holding out hoping that some philanthropic billionaire would step in and jolt the 3rd Ward back to life. It's more than sad to see this neighborhood staple of 7 years close it's doors, especially when I've only been able to enjoy it for the last 8 months, since I only just moved to Brooklyn last February.
I never got to take a proper class, but the Wednesday night drink and draw sessions were a great part of my weekly routine. I was noticing quick improvements in my life drawing and my anatomical structure was getting a lot more accurate. The room was always full of this great energy and music and talent. And you just cannot beat all you can drink for $10.
Word on the street is the shuttering was caused by poor money management. They had just opened a Philly branch, and apparently it sucked them dry. It's sad to see great ideas killed by poor business strategy, and just reinforces my philosophy that creatives need to be business-savvy to thrive and bring big ideas to life. I'm still convinced that the 3rd Ward method of schooling is the future, though, especially when you think about the traditional methods of continuing education. It makes so much more sense to specialize and take classes for specific skill sets than going through the life/money swallowing commitment that grad school seems to be. Hopefully, since the idea's definitely out there, there will be 3rd Ward alternatives popping up. I've already found a couple alternative drink and draw sessions. As for the third ward, I'm calling that space in Bushwick becomes "luxury loft condos" within the next two years. Brooklyn, I weep for you.
In other bummer news, 5 Pointz in Queens is being demolished to make way for more condos. Which is, you know, typical.
