ARTSTOP Ogden . . . continued from page 1
Macnofsky explains the criteria for participation at ARTSTOP: “We are
accepting applications for studio space based on ‘reasonable need,’
which may be either financial or spatial. We have even allocated
space for itinerant artists who already have a working studio, but
may need more room to work on a specific project for several days or
weeks.”
The studio spaces are ‘free’ in the sense that no cash
changes hands. However, Macnofsky has developed a system of swapping
community service hours in exchange for the cash value of the space: The
studio spaces are valued at $100 per month (based on comparable space
in Ogden), while the artists’ “time” contribution is valued at $10 p/hour
for general projects (maintenance and set-up assistance for monthly
shows and public arts events), and $20 p/hour for time spent teaching
art workshops at local after-school programs. Each month the artists log
their hours contributed to service projects or teaching, and then Macnofsky
deducts them from the ARTSTOP ‘Bank of Hours.’
“Its a symbiotic exchange of services,” claims Macnofsky.
“We need volunteers for all types of arts projects within the community,
and many artists are in need of affordable studio space. What artists
generally do not have is cash—what is more expendable (and equally
valuable) is their time—especially when it comes to teaching kids
hands-on arts experiences. It’s a winning partnership for everyone
involved, especially for youth in this inner-city area who get very
limited exposure to the arts.”
ARTSTOP:OGDEN joins Ogden’s Gallery Street Stroll on the first Friday
of each month, which begins and ends with anchors Gallery At The Station,
the Eccles Community Art Center, and includes more than ten artists’
studios, commercial galleries and independently owned businesses in
Ogden’s historic district. Thanks to its central location, ARTSTOP acts
as connecting point between the 25th Street arts district and the Eccles
Community Art Center located at Jefferson & 26th Street.
In addition to studio space, the co-operative gallery
offers another venue for local artists who often find a long and
crowded waiting list to display their artwork in the established venues
like Gallery At The Station and the Eccles Community Art Center. Recently,
a handful of new galleries and co-operatives have sprung up in Ogden’s
historic district in response to this need for additional gallery space
to represent the rapidly expanding pool of northern Utah artists. “For so
many years, the Eccles Art Center has been a lone beacon for the arts in
Weber County. Now—other ships are finally appearing in Ogden’s ‘harbor’. That means more
local, emerging artists have a greater opportunity for exposure and
a chance to display and market their work”
Arts Renaissance in Ogden? “Believe it or not… it’s
happening,” says Macnofsky. Within the past two years, six new visual
art galleries & studios have opened their doors on 25th Street:
Wasatch Art & Frame, Gallery 25, Stuck-in-the-Attic Artists’ Studio,
The Fine Arts Gallery, Gallery at the Station and now ARTSTOP:OGDEN.
Washington Blvd.
is also home to several galleries: Art Glass Originals, Erica Martin
Antiques & Gallery; 24th St.’s B Gallery at Bartholomew’s Frame
Company; Ogden Blueprint & Supply —even Zions Bank joined in the
Gallery Stroll last summer with special exhibits at their 23rd Street
Branch. “When you add in the shops, restaurants and boutiques who
feature the work of local artists—Zenger’s Deli, Grounds for Coffee,
Jones & Co. Salon, Ruby & Begonia’s—there is a trend which positions
the downtown core as an emerging arts district,” Macnosky adds. “The
number of arts businesses within a two-block radius of ARTSTOP will
number more than 20 by May."
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Alternative Venues--Ogden
Ogden's
25th Street Comes Alive
by
Steve Coray
Fine art is flourishing in the Historic 25th Street area of
Ogden. Taking an active role in the movement is Zenger's Delicatessen,
where hanging local artwork wasn't an afterthought, it w
as part of the business plan. Right from the start, the owners
of Zenger's wanted to create an artsy ambiance with the work of Ogden
area artists. Six months into operation, the plan seems to be working.
Located on Historic 25th Street, Zenger's is right in the middle
of Ogden's revitalization efforts and features deli sandwiches, fresh
pasta and salads, expresso, tasty desserts and great atmosphere.
Owners ask a 15% commission from artists and leave the
displayed pieces hanging for up to six months (or until they sell).
Zenger's accepts most mediums and is currently showing
work by Blanche Wilson, Kasandra Beck, Claire Long, Denise McConnel
and Carma Hendrix. You can go see some of Ogden's newcomers at Zenger's
Monday - Saturday, 7:30 - 4:00 pm, at 270 Historic 25th Street. Phone number
is 801-334-9494.
(Zenger's will be the location of Artists of Utah's
lunch get-together Wednesday, March 26 at 1:00am.)
Zenger's is not the only alternative venue helping to revitalize
Ogden's downtown area. Sheila Jones, owner of Jones and Company
Salon, began hanging the work of local emerging artists in December
and says her regular customers enjoy the variety of art they see when
they come in to have their hair styled.
Exhibit openings are held in conjunction with Ogden's Street
Stroll the first Friday of each month from 7pm - 9pm.
While most of the work shown to date has come via referral,
Jones accepts inquiries from all fine artists and asks only for a
10% commission (but sometimes accepts a piece of art in trade).
Jones and Company is located at 106 Historic
25th Street in Ogden and is open Tuesday - Saturday from 9am - 6pm.Shiela
can be reached by phone at 801-392-5663 or by email at
sheilakaye@aol.com
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