I just wrapped up at show at Studio8Ten in Las Vegas. The show lasted for the month of February and turned out to be my most rewarding show yet. Studio8Ten provides an alternative gallery space for the local artists of Las Vegas. Their gallery space offers about 25 linear feet of clear wall space with additional opportunities to scatter a few more works throughout the store and workshop areas.
When you first walk in to Studio8Ten, located at 810 Las Vegas Boulevard, you will see tasteful displays featuring a variety of handmade products such as stationary, gift bags, scrap-booking albums, body lotions and soaps. Their signature product is their handmade paper which they use to craft their products with. Some of their most clever cards are recyclable (actually plant-able) as there are wildflower seeds embedded within the paper fibers. On my first visit I snatched up a pack of these cards and a decorated journal. One card I loved so much I decided not to mail but instead to pin it up in my home studio. Studio8Ten is an extraordinary boutique store with an even more extraordinary purpose. It is supported through Transitional Services and all the products are created by individuals with disabilities. Working for Studio8Ten is their job, which they are paid for. It is work that inspires independence and self-sufficiency while at the same time provides an artistic outlet for these incredible people.
The project manager of Studio8Ten, Angela Esler-Whelan, has come up with a brilliant marketing scheme. By involving local artists with art loving friends and patrons, she can tap into a demographic that will enjoy their products. By involving the artists with the studio, she invigorates her employees. When I first met some of the individuals working there it was incredibly evident how excited they were about art. As I hung my work, I received their praise and thoughtful questions.
The studio gives the artist a free place to show their work, and in return the artist holds a reception and workshop for the employees. Having never taught an art class before, this provided a new opportunity for me. I chose to hold a workshop about monochromatic painting. This is something I do a lot in my own work, so I knew it would be a subject I could handle. What I didn’t expect was how well the students would respond to it. Some simply followed directions and went into it. They created some amazing pieces. The colors and shades they created were stunning, even though they were only using one color mixed with black and white. Others really questioned me hard about why we were only using one color. “If we have all these beautiful colors to work with, why can’t we use them?” they wondered. This brought on discussions about discipline and seeing things in terms of light and dark as opposed to multi-colored. They really made me think about the whole thing. I’m still thinking about it now as I paint in my studio. It really has made me dissect my process and goals as an artist. I am grateful to Studio8Ten to opening my eyes to a whole new realm of possibilities for my work within my community.
Now, everywhere I go, I’m hunting for my next unexpected gallery. I’ve always believed that art should be a part of our everyday lives. Because of these economic times, business owners are more open to trying out low-risk ways to market themselves. They are looking for more creative ways to pull together community resources. I encourage you to seek out the unexpected galleries in your neighborhood. Find a place that will work with you. It should be a partnership. You will bring in customers and give the venue a new kind of exposure. The venue will offer the space for free or at least at a minimal cost to you. Most of all don’t forget to give back. I am a huge believer that giving is the first step in receiving. I am always open to incorporating a charitable contribution based on sales for a show. So get out there in your community, and happy hunting!
Studio8Ten
810 Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89101
My next exhibition will be for the month of May at "Art Starts Here" located at 8453 West lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89128. Art Starts Here is a community-based art school for children and adults. They provide summer art camps for kids, "Mommy and Me" workshops, adult classes and will also host birthday parties and other special events. Their artist gallery is informal, but allows for 36 clear linear wall space plus additional areas with the classrooms. They provide the space free of charge but collect a 20% commission on all sales.
