Gentrification and the Creative Class

Nearly 100 invited guests—community leaders, influencers, and creatives—filled the Lace Mill in Midtown Kingston. They sipped custom vodka cocktails from Barber’s Farm Distillery, beer from Great Life Brewing, and snacked on more than a dozen items provided by Peace Nation Cafe. Bassist Michael Bisio provided musical accompaniment. Brian K. Mahoney, Chronogram’s Editorial Director, then launched the salon series by conversing in the public forum with Joe Concra, artist and cofounder of the O+ Festival. Mahoney and Concra were seated on custom “Hot Seats”—stunning wooden chairs—made by Kingston artist Christopher Kurtz. They delved into the subject “Gentrification and the Creative Class,” which drew conversation among attendees, including Kingston urban planners, artists, long time residents, nonprofit leaders, and many Kingston business owners.