The Gay & Lesbian Center of Long Beach Opens it's Doors to The Infinite and the Yogi Pride Outreach Program
Empty storefronts are being targeted for revival
To Infinity, Beyond At Yoga Studio
By Darcy Leigh Richardson
Editor
Published: Thursday, July 8, 2010 2:26 PM PDT
Although the rusting iron security gate across the front doors and the cavernous dusty emptiness beyond might appear foreboding, 517 N. Pine Ave. is a building with infinite possibilities.
A vision of a small group of Long Beach creative forces that gains momentum each month, The Infinite Sacred Yoga & Movement Studio is poised to become a holistic health center and healing sanctuary in the midst of a bustling downtown thoroughfare.
The Infinite’s mission is to assist people of all ages in fully activating their bodies, minds and souls with donation-based educational outreach. Classes, events and workshops will cover yoga, massage, tribal belly dancing, nutrition and natural living.
Kristopher Larson, vice president of the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA), said The Infinite has a two-year lease, which was signed in May. Fundraisers have been ongoing to help prepare the studio for its grand opening celebration Aug. 26.
Welcome
Vayden Roi Galleries and the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) proudly welcome The Infinite – Sacred Yoga & Movement Studio to the Downtown Long Beach business community. The new business recently signed a two year lease at 517 N Pine Avenue, and is scheduled to be open to the public in late August. The transformation of the 517 N Pine location fulfills the mission of the DLBA “Gallery Activation Project”; to bring life and good living to Pine Avenue.
Vayden Roi Galleries, headed by Evan Kelly & Liza Mitchell, partnered with the DLBA to bring enrichment to the Pine Avenue corridor by activating vacant commercial spaces. The first location was an abandoned hookah lounge at 517 N Pine Avenue. After weeks of cleaning and painting, the location was reopened as Exhibit [A], a temporary gallery and event venue. Since January of 2010 Exhibit [A] has hosted a variety of arts & entertainment events that bring together the residents and arts community. At one of these events, celebrating a Haitian Relief fundraiser, the future tenants visited the site and realized it was the perfect location. The lease was signed shortly thereafter.