"Miriam Chaiken has documented a remarkable American social experiment, giving life to the artists of Westbeth. The book is striking, blending the anthropological tradition of thick description with sensitivity to the social significance of artists. She has combined personal connection, oral histories, and rigorous research to create a powerful story about a place and its people." - Jan English-Lueck, San Jose State University
"Chaiken captures the feeling and spirit of growing up in Westbeth and the early years of the community in a resonant way. She leaves you wanting to hear more stories - from every resident and kid. Hopefully, Creative Ozone will catalyze more research and study of this uniquely urban and cultural experiment." - Nat Oppenheimer, Senior VP, TYLin
"Chaiken has captured the spirit and soul of Westbeth and the artists who live there. Creative Ozone exquisitely tells the tale of an artistic experiment that has survived and flourished for over half a century." - George Cominskie, former President of Westbeth Artists Residents Council
"Miriam Chaiken offers an insiders look at one of the most unusual and audacious communities in America - Westbeth Artists Housing.
"Just as trailblazing visionaries reimagined a disused industrial complex as a home to emerging artists and arts spaces, the inspiringly creative individuals who found a home here reimagined what community, shared space, being an artist, and city life could mean. Creative Ozone provides unique perspectives on an experiment still going strong fifty five years later, and one from which we all can and should learn a thing or two." - Andrew Berman, Executive Director, Village Preservation
"Lovingly researched and remarkably readable. Chaiken brings her estimable skills as a social anthropologist to document and illuminate the improbable, invaluable urban experiment that is Westbeth. Im deeply grateful to her." - Josh Hamilton, actor and child of Westbeth
"Creates a vibrant portrait of the community. . . An intimate cultural history." - Kirkus Reviews
