Visual artist Edd Cox did not waste any time. The day after the WSDOT meeting with the Artists at 619 Western Avenue had brought the news that relocation was coming, he was hitting the streets. The fate of the building, where the painter has leased the fifth floor south since 1981, was retrofit or demolition. Either way he would have to leave his studio of thirty years.

In ten days Edd had looked at several storefronts, thousands of feet of beautifully windowed raw space, a massive basement in Chinatown and four fully equipped live-work spaces. “ I am heartbroken to leave such a magnificent studio but I knew change was on its way.

“By 2011 I had worked in two studios in Pioneer Square. The Washington Shoe building and the 619 Western Building. A total of 32 years in the Square. I have done the raw space renovation of 7500 square foot. Construction, running conduit and installing plumbing are not on my agenda now. I will stay at 619 for the end but at the same time launch a new studio and gallery."

”There is an energy here, in Pioneer Square, that I appreciate. The history, cafes, galleries, and waterfront are an environment and community and the people who have become my friends, are a neighborhood. I love it and do not want to leave ”

The second storefront the painter saw that first day started making real sense. Three blocks south on First Avenue, across the street from renowned galleries and a half block from the great galleries at Occidental Square. “I signed a letter of intent to lease a few days later.”

On April 1st , 2011, a new gallery opened in Pioneer Square. Edd Cox Fine Art is a beautiful 2000 square foot gallery exhibition space at 313 First Avenue South in the Crown Hotel Building. “The gallery will showcase my artworks and artists who are in my collection and will be a full working studio. A bit unique, but I want to keep some of the qualities that visitors experience during an open studio ArtWalk evening. The creative process will be emphasized. I am an educator and a professional artist. Enter my door and you will experience the Studio and the Gallery!"