Well here we are! One week from the launch of Gallery Meraki at the Garner Art and Industrial Center. We have taken an old factory space and turned it into a beautiful gallery and functional studio that is worthy of our three very talented artist photographers Carl Stoveland (Me), Julie Scholz and Michael Malandra. We hope to see you all at grand opening launch party on 9/27!
The space that ended up being the gallery was the first one we looked at together. It was clear pretty quickly that while dirty and in need of some paint and elbow grease this space would make a great gallery and awesome studio for both painting and photography. Northlight windows provide the option of photographing and painting by available light as well as traditional photo studio lighting.
First concept of space with moveable panel walls allowing the space to remain flexible for gallery, studio and classroom use.
It was decided early on that the purple ceilings would stay. We decided on neutral gray walls to show off our photography with black and wood furniture. From there we were off and running with the space's color scheme. It has a fantastic vibe and is a great place to show off our work!
Cleaned and painted!
Three trips to Ikea later and we had our furniture and the 'chill zone' was born where the ugly old stairs had been.
The gallery seemed gigantic when we first saw it empty. We thought we'd struggle to fill the walls with art. Now we have to get creative with ways to display all the great photography we have to show you.
Track lights installed and the old lighting taken down!
Ready for visitors!
Next up this week is we hang our photography. We all have some new work to display. In fact we probably have enough material for our first three shows! We have the launch party on Saturday, September 27th from 7 to 9. Next the gallery will be open for Artoberfest at Garner Arts on October 11 and 12. Make sure you check out Artoberfest. Many of the studios in the sprawling old factory complex will be open to the public with plenty of activities and demonstrations. The gallery has already been used as a studio 5 times for portrait sessions and on Saturday October 18th it will be used for the editing and printing portion of a fall photography workshop being run by Gallery Meraki's own Carl Stoveland and Julie Scholz. There is still space available for the workshop. if you are interested contact Carl Stoveland at 845-499-0178 or be email to cstoveland@optonline.net we are extremely proud of how the gallery has turned out, but this is only the beginning! Look for many shows, classes and events at the gallery in the months to come.
This gallery has been a labor of love for us. Creating a gallery from the ground up has been an exciting challenge and at the end of it we have an amazing place to work and show off our art. Thanks to our friends and families for all of the support and encouragement along the way. We could not have done it without you!
Keep Makin' Art!
Carl Stoveland
2 comments:
I am sooooooo happy and excited for you and your partners!!! Looks like a beautiful space. Can't wait to see it next week in person!!!!!!
I can't help but think of your lovely and talented friend Dave. I wish I could say all the things that he would have. I feel his sprit, although we never met, spoke or corresponded. I think he would be so proud and happy for you. xoxoxo Rie
Rie - I hear Dave King's voice in my head everyday encouraging me with each step forward. We never met in person but in 5 years reading and posting on each others blogs he had a huge impact on my life and the direction I wanted it to go in. I feel your encouragement each and everyday as well. Thank you!
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