By Susie Davidson

Advocate Correspondent

CAMBRIDGE - Out of the Blue, Cambridge’s welcoming, eclectic sanctuary for all manner of artist, is in trouble.

Run by Deborah (Block) Priestly and Tom Tipton, the venue, which recently celebrated its 4th anniversary of operation at 168 Brookline Street, has received a notice to quit from their landlord. Technically, they have until June 30 to remain on the premises, unless they purchase the property (selling price has been both exorbitant and varied).

Out of the Blue began in late 1996 in a Chinatown loft, and moved to Central Square in April, 1997. Their central mission has always been to showcase diverse artists of all genres, including the mentally, physically (Deborah herself suffers from epilepsy) and socially handicapped, children and seniors. Benefits have been held for the Cambridge Fire Fund and the local women’s shelter. The gallery collaborated with the Black History Month Celebration at Cambridge City Hall, and served as the official information site of the Cambridgeport Artists Open Studios for the past two years. Satellite galleries have evolved at neighboring businesses such as The Middle East, the 1369 Coffeehouses, Citizen’s Bank and Herrell’s in Allston; monthly receptions are held at each.

On any given night, one can find a music show, dance event, film screening, drawing class, poetry reading, workshop, storytelling and more.

"Out of the Blue Gallery cherishes equal opportunity for expression on all artistic levels," asserts Priestly, an award-winning Hebrew School grad and Bat Mitzvah (Temple Beth Am, Framingham). "If this gallery were to cease to exist, so would a very important aspect of Cambridge’s culture."

Deborah has reached out to the Jewish community: "We have quite a handful of Jewish artists, including Kate Chester, Mark Wilen, Alison Stone, Lara Goodman, Frances Chaiken, internationally known potter/sculptor Jeff Margolin and photographer Lenny Eisenberg," she cites. "We also have many Jewish poets at our Saturday evening open mike."

She would like to produce an exhibit of Jewish artists, and invites any interested people to contact her.

Though visibly distressed, she is optimistic that her strong community of supporters, who include City Councillor Marjorie Decker, Mayor Anthony Gallucio, social and religious groups and, of course, their lawyer Denise Guron, will help pull them through. "We’re hoping to solve this, even if we have to relocate, which we hope we won’t have to. We’re taking it as a learning experience, and are trying to find the harmony in it."

At a May 25 meeting, Deborah and Tom laid out the bleak scenario before a packed room. "The arts here are dying," Tipton lamented, "as opposed to the culture in Europe of support for them.

"People don’t realize the money involved in promoting this type of environment. Basically, it’s come out of pockets and sales of artwork."

But his conviction was solid. "Out of the Blue breaks the ice — rather than a formal setting and cafeteria walls, it’s something each artist can call theirs for a couple of hours." He read a proclamation by the Mayor endorsing their effort.

Publicity, internet outreach, alternate space searching and of course, funding, are avenues by which the gallery aims to remain in existence. A charitable fund is being set up at Citizen’s Bank; tax deductible checks can be made out to Experience Unlimited and sent to Frances Chaiken, Out of the Blue Fund, 7 Temple St., Cambridge MA 02139.

"Our goal is to continue to grow and better serve our artists and the community," Tipton pledges. "It has been an honor and a moving experience to inspire creativity and social awareness through our endeavors. With additional funding and a secured home, we intend to establish ourselves into a non-profit status whereby we can offer even more of our time, energy and spirit to the people."

"This is about money and ownership," Priestly epitomizes. "We hope the arts will prevail."