ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- In recent years, Elmira has been growing as an arts community. Now, a local artist is sharing his work with the region, while returning to his Elmira roots.
The name on the black and purple banner outside will stir up feelings of nostalgia for many Elmirans. People's Place was the fashion and retail store opened by Michael Houghton's lifelong friend, Elmira native and fashion pioneer Tommy Hilfiger in 1969. But now in 2024, Houghton, an artist and musician, is putting a new spin on the old name with People's Place Gallery. An idea he'd been toying around with for some time, after moving back to Elmira after 35 years living in New York city and other major metropolitan cities across the country.
"So the idea of helping out, living here, the hodgepodge of ideas and just the way it came together made sense to call it People's Place. I talked to Tommy [Hilfiger] about it, and then I said I'm going to put a twist to it – it's not going to be People's Place. It's not going to have anything to do with the old days. It's going to have [the] nostalgia name, colors, and Tommy said 'The only thing you gotta promise me is you gotta use the same colors, the purple and the black.' So I said all right," explained Houghton.
Houghton said he was still living in New York City several years ago, but toying with the idea of moving back to Elmira and thinking about what the next chapter in his life would be. During his time in New York, he had open several pop-up art galleries, which he said were a success in art-driven, alternative neighborhoods.
"When I first came to Elmira years ago, I was still in New York City, and bouncing the idea of what’s next, and I ran into Lynne [Rusinko] and Joe [Caparulo] from CAE [Community Arts of Elmira], talking about Elmira and downtown; and it's just new development, ideas and things like that. And of course I'm a community guy, I love Elmira and I love downtown, I grew up pretty much, cut my teeth in downtown Elmira back in the day, and I just decided to stay and look around. And then we discussed it a little more, I mentioned to Lynne I would like to see some properties for rent. And I have an idea, I wasn’t sure what it was, but i was doing art at the time," Houghton said.
After connecting with Community Arts of Elmira, he said there were several serendipitous signs that led him to the location at 114 Baldwin Street. The location is the site of the former Shreibman's Jewelery store, where the father of Tommy Hilfiger had worked. That, along with several other signs, said showed Houghton it was the right place, and the right time.
"All the signs, the omens, the serendipity, you name, it it was there," he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to several delays in the renovation of the space, which Houghton said ended up being a blessing in disguise. It allowed his ideas and vision for People's Place Gallery to evolve.
Now almost ready to open, People's Place Gallery will be more than just a place to view Houghton's art and fashion; it will be a place for other artists to showcase their talents. There is also a small retail space, as well as a cafe; the space can also be used for community and private events. Houghton also says there are plans for the space to turn into a private, member's only club in the evenings in the future.
While Houghton sees his vision come to life, he says there's a lot to be excited about in Elmira.
"I see so much to do, there's so much to do, I can't tell you how much there is to do, and it's being done. And that's beautiful," Houghton exclaimed.
He gives much credit to people originally from Elmira, who may have moved away for many years and then returned, bringing fresh ideas and inspiration from their life and travels back to their hometown. He also said there's a new generation of people coming to Elmira, bringing their passion and ideas, and making key investments to make Elmira a better place. For example, Jim Capriotti of Capriotti properties purchased the Baldwin Street building in 2019, spending the past five years repairing and renovating the property from a state of disrepair into a fresh and updated Elmira landmark, while preserving historic details. The first floor is dedicated for office and commercial space, such as People's Place Gallery, with the upper two floors turned into apartments.
Houghton will host a block party to celebrate the opening of People's Place Gallery on Saturday, September 21st from 3PM - 9PM on Baldwin Street, between East Market and East Water Streets. There will be food, face painting, tattoos, and live music, with special guests such as Dennis Dunaway, the original bass guitarist for Alice Cooper and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Earl Slick, guitarist known for his collaborations with David Bowie, John Lennon and Robert Smith. Houghton's own band Fright will take the stage at 7PM.
"The plan is this. Community, rock and roll, live music, love... that's it, love. That’s why I'm happy. It makes me happy to see people happy, and that’s what a small town does, it really makes you really feel good. A lot of love, a lot of respect," said Houghton.
