Posts Tagged ‘Jody Sweitzer’

The Whole 9 Yards

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

I’m sitting on a back log of submissions from contributors (’tis the season for nostalgia), as well as some nearly complete ramblings on my part, but I’ve been focusing on trying to develop the layout for the next gen of AiB and therefor have been slacking on the blog portion. But I would be deeply negligent if I didn’t tell you what I’m going to do tonight (and recommend that you do it too.)

Tonight, December 10th at Dirty Frank’s Bar is the first opening reception for “The Whole 9 Yards” show, co-produced by Off the Wall Gallery and Midwives Collective & Gallery. Exploring the expansive world of fibers and textiles,¬† works are not just fiber art, but an investigation of tangential interests. I think this is a great concept to explore how more and more art is becoming increasingly multi-disciplinary and craft-inclusive/influenced. The show includes traditional fiber work, sculpture, photography, installation, as well as small, intimate pieces.

The Whole 9 Yards

The Whole 9 Yards

Work was juried by Bob Jackson, Jody Sweitzer, Elizabeth J. Smith, Marlise M. Tkaczuk, and Wayne W. Urffer. Artists include: Janelle Adamska, Rocco Agrippa, Samantha M. Brown, Timothea Canny, Erin E. Castellan, Jeanine Ciach, Michelle A. Clements, Denise Coolbaugh, Rebecca Cross, Gretchen Diehl, Leslie Nobler Farber, Alisa Fox, Alexis Gurst, Krista Infante, Patricia Kinsman, Kelly A. Kozma, Therese Lavery, Jym Paris, Jodie Pellish, Erin M. Riley, Jillian Sokso, Mickayel Thurin, Harvey Weinreich, Lauren Westenhiser, and Katie Randolph Wood.

But here’s the clincher – there’s one opening tonight, at Dirty Frank’s, and then another opening tomorrow at the Midwives Gallery. One great show, two great locations, with very different feelings. What’s the difference between seeing art in a bar verses a white wall space? I think, in fact, the show itself is divided, and it’s not as though all the work will move from one location to the other. Rather, though the show itself is one unit, works have been placed in either one location or the other. Super interesting real world example of context as a determining factor in interpretation, and possibly shading perceived worth. Interesting concept for a show, and unusual application of instillation, further aiding the discussion. I’ll be the one geeking out about said concepts. After going to a wine class. Warning: you might want to avoid getting into a discussion with me; I’ll probably not shut up about art. Pity my partner. See you there!

Both opening receptions run from 7-10 P.M. Dirty Frank’s, NE corner of 13th & Pine Thursday, December 10th, and Midwives Collective & Gallery, 1241 Carpenter St., suite 2, Friday, December¬† 11th. Beer, wine and assorted refreshments at both!

Grow! Show at Dirty Frank’s

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

So for some reason I have never been to Dirty Frank’s. I have no idea why. This sounds like the perfect bar for me; dive-y and has art on the wall, cheap beer and fun bar activities, reasonable stumbling location. It’s probably because I work all the time, and it’s in a direction I don’t usually head it – that Antique Row area.¬† Maybe next Monday. But Mike Smith (yes, THE Mike Smith) informed me of their upcoming group show, so I stopped by to introduce myself. Mid-afternoon the place already had a couple of drinkers, a good sign, and the bartender was super psyched to hear about Art in Bars, because, alas, Dirty Franks has no website.

I stopped in again around 10pm on a Tuesday and the place was packed – apparently the rock paper scissors competition was about to start and people had their game faces on – and introduced myself to Jody Sweitzer, the curator of the Off the Wall gallery at Frank’s, and to find out a little about the GROW! Show.

GROW! Show Poster - FINAL DRAFT - 6-06-09.pmd

The Grow! Show is the 4th annual community juried exhibition at Off the Wall, continuing a rich tradition of involving the neighborhood, local artists, and an alternative venue for art. The theme this year trends towards buzz words like “green art” and “eco-art” but Sweitzer and the artists are passionate about pushing the boundaries, exploring concepts such as re-purposing, what is environment, how do people fit in, as well as trying to find deeper meaning on trash night. With unusual materials, a push for sustainability in art, and always an eye towards aesthetics and humor, GROW! promises to challenge both the artist and the viewer.

I’m really excited about this show. Check it out it will be up most of the summer. Have a drink, enjoy the art, maybe even take some home. There will be an artists opening reception this Thursday June 18th 7 to 10.¬† GROW!, will run through Friday, August 7. Dirty Frank’s is located at the NE corner of 13th & Pine streets.

All the artists listed after the jump. (more…)