Once known as “Little Bohemia,” the West Village maintains its century-old reputation, attracting creative types to the leafy, twisting residential streets. The High Line Park now connects this nabe to the galleries and boutiques of Chelsea and Meat Packing, making it even more desirable as an arts hub. Of course rent isn’t cheap here, but hopefuls who are still true to la boheme can add their name to the wait-list for life at “West Beth,” the world’s largest affordable artistic community. Today 300 artists, dancers, actors, designers, writers and their families call it both home and studio. The community room at West Beth can be booked for rehearsals, non-profit organization meetings and numerous other neighborhood oriented needs, even for those who don’t reside there. Beginning August 14th West Beth, on Bethune St, will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with a group exhibition in the West Beth Gallery. Visit Thursday-Sunday, 1-6pm, for a chance to experience a retrospective of one of the West Village’s most artistically influential addresses.
It’s “Westbeth,” not “West Beth.” so named because it’s located at Bethune and West Streets.