Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Creativity comes alive on the streets
Fort Collins reaches out to local art community

Historic Old Town in Fort Collins, Colo. is a great place to visit and walk around on the weekends. The family friendly environment is the home of romantic evening dates for couples young and old and provides the ever present college crowd with locations to relax and have fun. Walk around on a Friday evening and you may find yourself in the middle of the Old Town Gallery Walk.

If you happen to land in Old Town the first Friday of every month between 6-9 p.m., you have stumbled into the Gallery Walk. Currently 18 unique and different galleries participate in this event, with galleries spanning from Mulberry to Cherry Street along College Avenue.

“All are in walking distance so people can go to dinner and then check out the gallery,” Rachel Herera, executive director of Arts Alive said.


And Herera is exactly right. Combine dinner, the arts and the ambiance of downtown Fort Collins, and you have a wonderful night to share with loved ones.

Arts Alive is the organization that serves as the centralized organization for artists, art organizations and the general public in Fort Collins. Serving in this role, Arts Alive is the general manager of the Gallery Walk.

Herera says Arts Alive is the hub for information, and it ensures that meetings run smoothly pertaining to the Gallery Walk.

“Everyone in Gallery Walk is its own group that promotes the art district and helps support each other,” said Herera.

Support for the Gallery Walk is strong, and the arts are thriving on this support.

The support is apparent in featured artists as well.

Local and national artists are highlighted during the evening, featuring anything from sculptures to paintings to prints and pottery. Some artists approach the galleries wanting to be featured, while others are selected. Each gallery has their own creative freedom for how they would like to select artists.

With the Gallery Walk in its seventh year and still going strong, the idea spawned from observing art walks in other cities, including
Denver’s First Friday Art Walk. With the locals jumping on the art bandwagon, the community response is deemed positive.

“It gives people the opportunity to see something they would not have the chance to see,” Herera said.

And with artists from all over Fort Collins and the surrounding area, there is something for everyone.



The brains behind the brush
Local artist stands out among crowd

With all the local talent, it’s hard to stand out in Fort Collins.

But painter
Janice Lawrence isn’t worried about that. She’s moved on to the world.

With paintings being featured in an upcoming show in Florence, Italy, the local gallery walk may seem like a tiny event for the internationally recognized contemporary realist. But she doesn’t think so.

“The Gallery Walk is a good way to get known in the community and meet people,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity to meet working artists and do some networking.”

Her latest works, titled “Harvest,” feature still lives of veggies and flowers in vibrant fall colors. They’re currently being displayed at both
Edward Jones by the Northern Hotel and Meko’s Gallery.

Although Lawrence has been painting most of her life, the 55-year-old self proclaimed “old bird” only started selling her work in 2005. Like an ideal renaissance artist, she’s experimented with several careers, including writing and designing for the Web.

Since then, her career as an artist has taken off, earning her several recognitions, including winning the Easter Seals art contest.

“I’m still an emerging artist," she said, “I’m just an emerging artist with gray hair.”

She currently lives with her husband and two children in the “Adams Family house” on Mountain Avenue, a short walk from the galleries.

Lawrence’s paintings have a variety of subjects, from portraits to landscapes. She’s currently been experimenting with luminescence but claims not to fit into “categories.”

When she’s not painting or designing sites, Lawrence also runs
Visualize Results, a non-profit company dedicated to helping others raise funds through visual imagery.

Despite her undisputed success as an artist, the modest painter remains rooted here in Fort Collins.

“I like the sense of community,” Lawrence said. “Even though I like doing bigger shows, the Gallery Walk keeps you tied to home.”

And with the local collection, "home" isn't a bad place for an artist.


A collection to attract attention
Variety of artists welcome in this gallery

Recently added to the Gallery Walk, the Poudre River Arts Center is the place to go when looking for a diverse collection of artistic styles.

The arts center, now a year old, began with the intention of hosting a wide variety of mediums. The gallery showcases oil and watercolor paintings, mosaics and sculptures, among other talents.

Christine Webb, owner of The Artists’ Nook and volunteer for the Poudre River Arts Center, feels this is a gallery out of the ordinary.

Built in the 1930s and renovated for the arts center, the building has a unique set up. There are two main galleries on the first floor, and the second floor holds the artist’s individual offices, where they can create their art and show it off, explained Webb.

“The rooms on the second floor are individual art studio offices. We rent them out to artists, who first have to go through an application process. The other artists then make the final decision on who takes the empty office,” said Webb. "
By renting out the studios and interviewing the artists, the center can ensure that there is that feeling of diversity in it's galleries."

The Poudre River Arts Center also sponsors art classes. They are held at The Artists’ Nook, where Webb is one of the instructors.

“I teach the watercolors over here in my space, but we are looking to expand that and start teaching more traditional art classes,” said Webb.


The Poudre River Arts Center might be a little out of the way when experiencing the gallery walk, but it is well worth the effort to see such an eclectic collection of art.

But don't get too carried away with the Center, or you might miss some of the local acts.


Lincoln Center poses multi-art experience
Fusion of gallery and performing arts makes a winning combination

There is something unique about visiting the Lincoln Center during the Fort Collins Gallery Walk. Yes, it does have gallery exhibits with rotating artists ranging from contemporary, print, posters and even quilting. And yes, the artists are nationally and internationally acclaimed. But what makes the Lincoln Center unique in its endeavors in the Gallery Walk is it adds the element of performing arts.

The Lincoln Center masterfully combines performing arts concerts with gallery exhibits on Friday nights. Additionally, the during the summer months with the gallery open from 6-9pm, a performance would occur from 7-9pm, but this time free of charge.

According to Charity Finnigsmier, Assistant for the Visual Arts Program at the Lincoln Center, the Center wanted to be a part of the growing arts community.

“Our set up is a little bit different,” Finnigsmier stated, “I just think we have so much to offer.”

And the offerings are plentiful. Gallery exhibits are rotated every four to six weeks, resulting in anywhere from 12 to 15 different exhibits per year.

“We provide so many gallery exhibits in varying media,” Finnigsmier said. “The Lincoln Center is an exciting and fun gallery because we change so often.”

The Lincoln Center noticeably attracts a different audience to their galleries. Many people come to the Lincoln Center to experience the performing arts, and then the Gallery Walk is happening concurrently, a bonus treat to the lover of arts. The Center offers an array of performances year round, and the weekend is prime for performances. People will observe a gallery exhibit before immersing themselves in the performing arts.

While the Lincoln Center is only in its second year of participating in the Gallery Walk, they plan on continuing with the promotion of the arts. In 2008 the Center will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Fuse arts both tangible and intangible and you have three decades worth of a winning combination.

Which is almost enough art to make somebody hungry.


The art of hors d’oeuvres
Galleries offer food for thought

With the galleries spread everywhere from the Lincoln Center to the very north end of Old Town, it’s easy to work up an appetite when traveling by foot.

And there’s no better compliment to a filled canvas than a plate to match.

The Gallery Walk takes place during the prime dinner hours, but attendees won’t go hungry. Between the nearby local restaurants and free appetizers, no one is left wanting more.

As if the music, art and small talk wasn’t enough, many galleries offer hors d’oevres to give viewers one more incentive to drop by.

Illustrated Light, a photography gallery right in the middle of the square, is one of many galleries that offers a variety of munchies, from crackers and cheese to cookies, as a courtesy to their guests.

Dave Clack, the owner and artist, said the food not only helps bring people in, but also offers a treat that will keep people coming back.

As if the photography wasn’t enough.

But don’t fill up on snacks. Old Town is also home to numerous restaurants, including
Austin’s American Grill, Beau Jo’s Pizza and Coopersmith’s Brewpub.

Beau Jo’s general manager Ryan Parker said First Fridays always keep the restaurants busy, so be prepared to get on a wait unless you arrive before 6 p.m.

If you would rather cleanse your palette with a little caffeine, several Old Town coffee shops are open throughout the walk, and some offer art as well.

The Bean Cycle, open until 10 p.m. on Fridays, not only has monthly rotating local artwork lining its walls, but also features a student-run open mic poetry slam, open to anyone.

Their specialty espresso drinks, which look like little masterpieces themselves, double as hand warmers for the cold November night air. Owner Penelope Slaschner recommends the Ella Vanilla, a latte made with honey and vanilla.

And if that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth,
Walrus Ice Cream, located just east of Indigo Gallery on Mountain Avenue, has a flavor for any art lover.

Serving homemade ice cream until midnight, the creamery is a favorite of late gallery hoppers looking for a fun atmosphere and, according to owner John Paugh, is guaranteed to lighten the spirits of even the most moody art snob.

Regardless of the craving, it’s obvious that hunger won’t stop you from enjoying the art.

And for interested college students, the art doesn't keep you from enjoying the food, either.


Trading kegs for canvas
CSU student skips the parties for a night of art

Brandon Blank found his new favorite pastime: the Fort Collins Gallery Walk.

Blank, 21, is an agent for the Geek Squad at Best Buy. He discovered the Gallery Walk his freshman year of college when his friend asked him if he liked art.

“I love art. The first time I went, I was blown away by how many art galleries and museums Fort Collins has,” said Blank. “I loved how much variety and different styles of art I could find, not to mention the sheer number of local artists we have.”

Blank enjoyed his first artistic experience from his uncle who owns the Shoshana Art Gallery in Santa Monica. Shoshana is a contemporary art gallery, which is where Blank got his artistic taste.

“I am a big fan of contemporary art, but I think my favorite is modern and post-modern art,” said Blank. “ I would have to say my favorite galleries are probably MOCA or the Indigo Gallery.”

The First Friday Gallery Walk is a great way to spend a Friday night, according to Blank.

“What more could you ask for?” asked Blank. “You get free finger foods and drinks wherever you go, and the chance to look at local, engaging art for free.”

The First Friday Gallery Walk is a great way to experience Fort Collins at night, but is also a guaranteed night of enchantment and a mind-opening experience.

So mind-opening, that this may be the only Friday night that even the local museum looks fun.


MOCA goes grande
Museum takes a look at community involvement

While there are other such galleries that offer rotating artists in the Fort Collins Gallery Walk, Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) offers something just a little bit different; community involvement.

Community is a part of everything from just viewing the arts that MOCA has to offer to exhibiting local emerging artists. MOCA has a step-by-step process that helps it welcome new artists’ work into the museum.

Lorae Regan, a volunteer for MOCA, explains the specifications and how an emerging artist would get their art displayed.

“Adult emerging artists need to fill out an application, along with an artist statement, a list of artwork titles, and they need to label information that goes with each piece,” said Regan. “The artwork is then reviewed by a board that is made up of museum staff and community professionals,” said Regan.

Regan feels that MOCA offers a good mix of local, emerging artists and touring artists.

“Some of our stuff is local, and some of it come from tours. ‘In this life’ for example is a tour of three artists that are traveling around the country. But we also have space where emerging artists can display their work in a professional setting,” said Regan.

As long as the artwork is contemporary, it is welcome to be submitted. MOCA’s definition of contemporary is “ art of our time, including living artists and those from the past whose work informs the present,” according to the website.

MOCA is located in a historic building that was previously a post office from 1911-1912, and then renovated in 1977 to host what is now Fort Collins’ Museum of Contemporary Arts, explained Regan.

While MOCA is great for looking at touring art work, it also a great place to find new, local emerging artists as well.

But Moca, or any other gallery, isn't able to do it all themselves. Luckily, several local businesses offer a helping hand.


Supporters see the big picture
Local sponsors help fund the arts

The Gallery Walk in Old Town Fort Collins, Colo. is a free event open to the local community. Countless hours are spent to make the Gallery Walk a success on both the artists and the galleries part. But one important component is missing that can not be left out: Sponsors.

Without the help of sponsors to fund advertising, brochures, and website, the art walk would cease to exist. Visit any gallery on the first Friday of the month and you will see a large purple sign adorned with white and yellow writing, courtesy of the Gallery Walk sponsors.

“Many of them (sponsors) are downtown businesses,” said Rachel Herera, executive Director of Arts Alive.

Herera says there are three different sponsor levels, differentiated by the amount of funds donated.

Level One is $100 donation per month, Level Two is $250 annually, and Level Three is $50 annually.

The following are sponsor benefit packages:

Level One:
Company logo on all print advertising
Company logo on brochures
Name on sponsor page of Fort Collins Art District webpage
Window decal saying they support local arts community

Level Two:
Company logo on brochures
Name on sponsor page of Fort Collins Art District webpage
Window decal saying they support local arts community

Level Three:
Name on sponsor page of Fort Collins Art District webpage
Window decal saying they support local arts community


With the help of Arts Alive, the sponsors are well informed and sought out in an appropriate manner.

“Galleries will go out and ask for support,” Herera said, “We all do it collectively as a group.”

The arts are alive and thriving with support from community members, galleries and local businesses. Now that is one strong support system.

The following are sponsors of the Old Town Gallery Walk:

Arts Alive, Cache Bank and Trust, Downtown Business Association, Fort Collins Now, KUNC, Stonehouse Grill, Austin’s American Grille, Coopersmith’s, Enzios, Fine Print, Toolbox Creative, Brian J. Bliss Design LTD, Fort Collins Nursery, Ranchway Feeds, Fort Collins Floral, and Specialities.