LAST WEEKEND- 10x10 Fountain Street Studios' Group Show ends 4/30

        

 One of the best things about the 10x10 Fountain Street Studios' group show, for us, was having the opportunity to see the diversity, range and skill of the artists in the building, exhibited side by side, together in one space. 

At Fountain Street Studios, we're a very loose consortium. Artists come and go at odd times, as dictated by their schedules  and busy lives.

And, in general, making art is a solitary pursuit. But a few times a year, most notably for Open Studios' in April, we come together, open our doors wide, and share our work with the public and with one another.

The 10x10 show will be on view in the Gallery through Saturday, April 30. Each piece is for sale for $150; many of these are valued at much more. It's a great chance to see a snapshot of what happens every day in the building, to discover a new favorite artist, and, perhaps, to go home with a treasure.

Looking back, looking forward

First, a heartfelt thank you to all those who visited us in the gallery and in our studios during Open Studios Weekend. We were pleased and encouraged by the support and positive comments we received. Visitors loved walking into the gallery and being immediately struck by the volume, quality, and diversity of art being made in the building. Many of the 10x10 panels in the show were sold during the weekend. (Many real treasures remain!) 

Lots of people participated in our collaborative 'art wall'. We'll post the video of the installation in progress shortly! 

My favorite moment of the weekend, though, was the story of the person who came up to me to buy one of the panels. His eyes were dancing with excitement; he'd seen this artist's work before, and had always admired it, but was hesitant to buy. And here, in the gallery, he saw this little gem of a painting! 

 

I found out later that this was thevery first piece of original artthis man had ever bought. (Most likelynot his last.)

Buying that first piece is a real giant step. To become a collector, a person must first appreciate the value of the piece- many people do that.  But that person must also trust his perceptions, his instinct that this particular work of art has meaning and value for him, and act on that trust. It's kind of a leap of faith.

Seasoned collectors already know the value of real, original art. But I'll bet they have a special memory of the first piece they ever took home with them. It feels good to know the gallery was able to provide the introduction!

Open Studios Weekend at the Gallery

Visitors enjoying the work of Fountain Street Artists.

It's been a great weekend so far! 

Many visitors, many impromptu artists hanging their own creations in the gallery. 

Something for everyone!

Open Studios continues today, Sunday 4/10, 

from  11-5.

Budding artists work on their own 10x10 pieces,

and hang them in the gallery.

10x10 Panels are selling quickly, but many fabulous pieces are still available. The show runs through April 30th.