I spend nearly every weekend the New Bohemia (NewBo) and Czech Village neighborhoods — the beating heart of Cedar Rapids in the post-2008 flood era.
Within this historic and walkable part of town is an under appreciated resource. The Cherry Building, built in 1919 at 329 10th Ave SE in Cedar Rapids, is home to many artists and art organizations. One of those organizations is 237 Collective, a nonprofit founded by Paxton Williams and Abby Long-Williams, who now serve as the co-creative directors.
“We began as a local art gallery and supply shop and quickly realized there was a gap to fill in Cedar Rapids around community connection,” Long-Williams said. Eventually, “we began exploring what it would look like for 237 to be a nonprofit, and after two years, have officially made the transition.”
The 237 Collective mission is simple: “Creating space for community connection and the arts with a focus on celebrating emerging, underrepresented and multi-generational artists.” As a result, they have become a home for everything from poetry events, gallery exhibitions, open studios, workshops, to fashion shows and more. Getting involved is as simple as joining in on any of their events advertised on Instagram, Facebook, and on their website. (If you’re looking to learn more about 237 Collective’s history, Long and Long-Williams were featured on the Feb. 25 episode of the podcast Idiosyncratic Fables. It’s a quick listen, and one I’d recommend.)
Having recently become a nonprofit organization, the future for 237 Collective is brighter than ever, according to Long-Williams. This new era will mean that they can continue to program and “create free and accessibly priced space for years to come, and gain financial stability through sponsorships, donations and grants.”
This Saturday, March 14, the newly minted nonprofit will be hosting As a Whole, a free event at Craf’d in Cedar Rapids (333 1st St SE Suite 100). There are open mic slots for the taking, eight poets slated to perform, and a coffee bar provided by their host.
“This is a time to celebrate the past, present and future of 237 Collective,” Long-Williams said, “to gather together in a safe and cozy space and appreciate the community we’ve collectively built over the past three years.”
And it’s not all they have prepared for April, also known as 237 Fashion Month. Each weekend has at least one event planned, totaling “three sustainable fashion shows, a clothing drop and two panels,” Long-Williams said.
As for the other organizations housed in the Cherry Building, there’s a little of everything for everyone. I’d encourage you to visit its Facebook page to learn more about the events and artists, and take a look back at this Little Village article celebrating the building’s 100 year anniversary in 2019 to learn about its important place in Cedar Rapids history.
