Elastic Returns Photos Of The Arts Nonprofit S Handsome New Home

• Paige Wynne
• Elastic’s house piano. You have to bring your own candelabra.

In early November 2014, the Elastic Arts Foundation ceased operations at 2830 N. Milwaukee, a second-floor space that the 13-year-old nonprofit had occupied since 2006. According to director and cofounder Sam “Samiam” Lewis, the HVAC system had failed, leaving Elastic with no heat or air-conditioning. And because none of the windows in the space would open (the stairwell to the front door provided the only source of ventilation), even the relatively mild summer had been “insufferable,” especially when the main room filled up for a concert, art opening, or other event.

Landlord Jaemey Shim Bush is the daughter of Ocean and Zero Shim, the couple who previously co-owned the building (the City Council named a stretch of street in the neighborhood after the two of them in 2011). She intends to call the whole second floor (which includes the Elastic space) the OZ Arts Center, after their initials.