IN THE SPRING OF 1992, Karen Guzak, Gene and Lois Graham made an offer on a grand building built to house automobiles in Seattle’s Capital Hill neighborhood, for the purpose of establishing an artists' loft building. Following studies, and the addition of two more shareholders, the purchase was completed under the cooperative form of ownership and given the name Union Art Cooperative, after its address, 1100 East Union. That fall, the young coop voted to support my documenting their progress toward turning the 1916 building into 12 homes for artists with ample space for their work. Over 30 hours of raw footage sat in boxes for ten years until I put together this 30-minute movie for their anniversary party.

IT TOOK ANOTHER YEAR OR SO for Lois, Gene and Karen to sit down and watch the movie while I recorded their comments. Their insightful observations and entertaining recollections are the featured element of this special DVD edition. More than a record of their amazing and hugely successful accomplishment however, it’s hoped that this movie offers both information and inspiration for artists wanting to convert a building into live/work spaces. Lois’s recommendation? “Just jump in!”