Three amazing art shows in the first 45 days of 2024 was not on my bingo card for how this year was going to shake up in the local art scene. But it makes sense. We had amazing momentum from last year and I think it’s motivated and inspired our artists to host more shows. Let’s break down the first three that really hit it out of the park, then we will focus on the few coming up that I have my eye on.
Emerging Artist Show at Watson Wonder Box
Shady and her husband Bobby are doing an amazing job of utilizing their space on Orient St just across from the Museum in Old Town. They hosted a show aimed at exhibiting emerging local artists. There were some ASU students that submitted to this! In my opinion that’s a positive sign. It means that artists of all types felt included. That’s a major win if you ask me. Not only that but they had a great turnout for the opening. Shady brings her experience from the museum to make this a great show for emerging talent in our city. My question for Shady is, will this be an annual show?
There were some ASU students that submitted to this! In my opinion that’s a positive sign. It means that artists of all types felt included.
5X7 Show at SAMFA
SAMFA held a show to help do some fundraising as well as exhibit local talent at the museum. This was important for several reasons. One it allowed artists access to showing in the museum. That’s a great opportunity to include on their CV but it also serves as an important morale booster for our local artists. Not only that but many younger artists sold well at the opening. Kudos to the staff for knocking it out of the park. I hope the museum will continue to think of ways they can collaborate with local artists and give them opportunities.
Skate of the Art at Bearded Barista
This one was out of left field. No one expected this to be on the radar for art shows in 2024, especially so early on. Not only did Skate Angelo have an amazing turnout and successful sales to raise money for the local skate community but they did it in record time. I think they announced it in December, effectively giving local artists a month or two to get the artwork done. They were mostly painted on old skate decks! I had to sand and prep mine, first before I could even start painting. But everyone got it done! I’ll bet we are going to see this event carry some important momentum moving forward as well as inspire local artists to try new and interesting ideas when it comes to their art. It also did another thing that I absolutely loved, it brought out patrons we don’t normally see at art events. That’s the holy grail for measuring the success of art events (aside from shear numbers and sales).
It also did another thing that I absolutely loved, it brought out patrons we don’t normally see at art events. That’s the holy grail for measuring the success of art events (aside from shear numbers and sales).
Okay, let's talk about what is coming down the pipeline. First, is the much anticipated Artist for Artist show, put on by Art In Uncommon Places. Last year was a major success, I think we have high hopes this year. I have no doubt the opening will be another hit. I think artists are hyped and excited to show their best work here. Especially after seeing the success that last year brought. If you didn’t go last year you need to see this show. Especially inside the space at the Murphy Performing Arts Center. Full disclosure, I’m on the executive board at SAPAC, so I’m partial to the venue. It truly is beautiful and compliments the art wonderfully.
Second is the Bloom show held by Raw 1899. This show is usually in the summer so be on the lookout for the submission email. The Bloom show has always had amazing support from the community with large turnouts for opening night. One thing I’d like to see differently this year is for the artists to think more deeply about Bloom and its meaning. I saw a few pieces last year that told a deeper story around the theme. That’s just my own take.