‘HOME AWAY FROM HOME’
Norton closed until 2019, but new market takes art to heart
A new masterpiece — the expanded Norton Museum of Art, designed by Pritzker Prizewinning architect Norman Foster — will open on Feb. 9, 2019.
But art and culture don’t stop when it’s hot outside.
Even though the Norton is now closed so builders and curators can put finishing touches on the inside of the building and reinstall artwork hidden in storage for years, many of the Norton’s programs are moving to Grandview Public Market in West Palm Beach.
A first-time visitor to Grandview will thrill to this fresh marketplace.
The complex represents a longterm vision to consolidate multiple shopping destinations and to simplify the practice of farmto-table foodways. The vision belongs to Chris Vila — son of famed “This Old House” host Bob Vila — whose entrepreneurial spirit has resulted in a one-stop venue for locals seeking farmfresh produce, meats and prepared food.
Above all, Chris Vila’s foresight has sparked an instant gathering spot where none existed before.
The expansive 16,000-square-
foot Grandview Public Market fills a former refrigeration warehouse in the Old Okeechobee neighborhood. Vila and his development partners have rechristened the area “The District” and are working to build a whole new destination for residents.
The arcade-market concept isn’t novel, but it’s something this region hasn’t seen.
Since opening five months ago, Grandview Public Market has proven itself a dynamic addition to West Palm Beach, drawing throngs of visitors of all ages.
“We work hard to maintain this feeling of inclusiveness,” said Vila, “and are delighted to share it with our growing community. In partnering with the Norton during its renovation, Grandview will extend its cultural footprint and raise awareness of the wonderful programming presented at the Norton.”
Partnership is natural for Chris and his wife, Kristen Vila, who is Grandview’s principal.
Kristen and Chris have been avid fans and supporters of the Norton since they moved to Palm Beach in 2013. They regularly attend the museum’s Family Studio with their three children and wander the museum’s galleries on quiet afternoons.
“The vision and energy of Grandview Public Market, and what it offers the West Palm Beach community, is exciting,” said Norton Deputy Director Sam Ankerson. “We look forward to presenting programs at this lively, innovative new venue, and exploring connections between art, learning and healthy food.”
Grandview has grown as a hub for cultural happenings. Jazz concerts, salsa music, free children’s music classes on Saturday mornings and a Florida Science Center pop-up comprise happenings that make Grandview more than just a food hall.
“It was always our intention to bring people together. Food is a big part of the equation, but a sincere and genuine interest in the community and offering customers more than a meal is what makes Grandview tick,” Kristen said. “When we started speaking with the Norton, we knew this was an opportunity to introduce our customers to something we find so special. Giving the Norton a home away from home felt natural. It fits right into our ethos.”
Kicking off the collaboration on Thursday will be a Curator Conversation with the museum’s Tim Wride, who is the William and Sarah Ross Soter Curator of Photography. Wride will unveil an exhibit of works by West Palm Beach photographer Peggy Greenfield.
“We are very excited to have the Grandview Public Market’s Living Room be our ‘home away from home’ while we are in the last stretch of preparing for the new Norton,” said Wride. “It made sense to take the opportunity to have a local artist’s work on the walls. Peggy Greenfield’s saturated color images of icebergs seemed appropriately cool during these dog days of summer.”
The photography will remain on view at Grandview Public Market, 1401 Clare Ave., through November.