Co-Op Arts

CLOSET ARTISTS AT CO-OP ARTS

Co-Op Arts is opening its doors and walls to artists of all stripes and ages in preparation for the second annual “Closet Artists” show, debuting on First Friday.

“Closet Artists” is a chance for the gallery to bring in fresh, new pieces from a wide variety of community members, and for amateur artists to exhibit their work in a professional gallery, often for the first time. The idea began as a way to mix up the cooperatively-owned gallery’s composition during January when business is often slow, says Gallery Manager Ken Kokjer.

Last year’s rendition was tremendously successful, with 75 pieces exhibited from 20+ artists. The owners of Co-Op Arts (also on Facebook) decided to make it an annual event soon after.

Pieces have already begun pouring in for the First Friday show on January 6th, which owners expect to grow in size and submissions from last year.

Julene Lowdermilk submitted the above photograph, titled “Just Because,” for what will be her debut exhibit after years of taking photos as a hobby. She was coaxed into submitting four pieces by a close friend.

“I’ve taken photos for a long time and I usually think I’m the only one who likes them,” Julene admits. “I worked in the art department at UAF for eight years but didn’t take a single class,” because she fretted that her work wasn’t good enough.

Julene’s story of this photograph shows how creative and passionate Closet Artists can prove to be.

“I had received some flowers and to be honest, I don’t even remember why—if it was a special occasion or what—but I have a fetish for taking photos of flowers. I like to try different things, like taking photos of the inside or just part of the flower,” Julene describes. She says the black backdrop of this photo is a refrigerator that used to be in her home.

“I’m born and raised in Fairbanks and the Co-Op (Plaza) has been here as long as I have, so it’s pretty cool to have my first show there,” Julene adds.

Fairbanksans can submit up to five pieces of artwork in any medium and must include a $5 entry fee per submission along with the gallery’s online entry form. The final chance to submit work is today from noon- 5:30pm. All ages, experience levels, and mediums are welcome. Last year’s show featured acrylic, watercolor, ceramics, fused glass, wire form, photography, and a diorama made from found materials. Show-goers select a “People’s Choice” winner, whose work is showcased in the gallery for two weeks.

“We encourage people to bring all their cousins and family (to the show) and stuff the ballot box,” Ken jokes.

Closet Artists will be on display at Co-Op Arts for at least a week, but First Friday is the best time to check it out so that you can cast your vote, get first dibs on any piece you’d like to purchase, and hit other exhibits on the downtown art circuit. Not all pieces will be for sale (that decision is up to the artist), but Ken says several pieces did sell in last year’s show.

Ken also says the gallery is always looking for new talent, and the Closet Artists show might spark relationships that bring permanent new artists into the Co-Op Arts rotation.

When:

Friday, January 6th 5:00pm-8:00pm

Where:

Co-Op Arts

Co-Op Plaza

535 2nd Avenue, Suite 103

Phone:

 (907)452-2787

 

Co-Op Arts

Alaska Men @ Co-Op Arts

When:

First Friday, September 2nd, 2011- 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:

Co-Op Arts

535 2nd Avenue

Co-Op Arts

Alaskan Made @ Co-Op Arts

When:

First Friday, June 3rd, 2011- 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:

Co-Op Arts

535 2nd Avenue, Suite 103

Co-Op Arts

CO-OP ARTS

Co-Op Arts

535 2nd Avenue, Suite 103, 907.452.2787

Located in the heart of downtown, Fairbanks’ newest fine art gallery offers only works by local artists. Alaskan subjects predominate, but you can find images from around the world in the paintings and photographs. Silver and fused-glass jewelry displayed alongside scrimshaw on fossilized ivory. Beautiful and functional pottery adorns shelves around the gallery. Wearable fabrics hang in drapes of lovely color. Come find the perfect Alaskan memento! Summer Hours 10am-8pm, Mon-Sat; 10am-4pm, Sun Winter Hours 11am-6pm, Mon-Fri; 11am-5pm, Sat; closed Sun

Learn more about Co-Op Arts or visit them on Facebook.

 

Co-Op Arts

Homegrown Woodcrafts @ Co-Op Arts

When:

First Friday, May 6th, 2011- 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:

Co-Op Arts

535 2nd Avenue, Suite 103

Co-Op Arts

John Majak- Alaskan Wildlife in Scrimshaw @ Co-Op Arts

When:

First Friday, April 1st, 2011- 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:

Co-Op Arts

535 2nd Ave

Co-Op Arts

Spring Is In The Air @ Co-Op Arts

First Friday Event in partnership with Georgeson Botanical Garden Society – Spring Is In The Air

When:

First Friday, March 4th, 2011-5:00pm- 8:00pm

Where:

Co-Op Arts

535 2nd Avenue

Co-Op Arts

Charmed @ Co-Op Arts

February’s First Friday features Fairbanks artist, Patricia Carlson. Her show entitled Charmed features a new collection of  bright handmade purses. Patricia says,

“Purses and bags charm women. We are drawn to individualize this every-day necessity. We can express our love of color, style and our sense of humor in this simple accessory. Handbags also charm the viewer, coaxing comments from admirers. Purses, handbags, clutches, and totes are the charms on our arms and shoulders. Celebrate your matchless taste. Use your charms.

And come to the show!”

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a gift from the Co-Op Arts Gallery!

When:

First Friday, February 4th, 2010- 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:

Co-Op Arts

535 2nd Avenue

Co-Op Arts

Closet Artists @ Co-Op Arts

“Closet Artists,” A Community Show.

When:

First Friday, January 7th, 2010- 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Where:

Co-Op Arts

535 2nd Avenue

Co-Op Arts

CALL FOR ART

Are you, or someone you know, creating things and want a time and place to show others what you have created? Co-Op Arts has just the opportunity for you! Our January First Friday Art Exhibition, “Closet Artists,” is open to people of all ages and skills interested in showing their work. All media and subject matter are welcome! There will be a People’s Choice Contest for favorite work. The winning artist will be granted display space at the Co-Op Arts Gallery for two weeks. Details follow.

Where: Co-Op Arts fine art gallery. Co-Op Plaza; Suite 103, 535 Second Avenue in downtown Fairbanks.

When: Closet Artists First Friday Art Exhibition will be held on January 7, from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Deadline for Entries: 4 pm on Thursday, January 6th

Entry Fee: $5 for each piece of art. Artists may submit as many pieces as they wish. Co-Op Arts charges 40% commission fee for works sold at the gallery.

Sign-up is Easy: Just bring your artwork to Co-Op Arts gallery, fill out the entry form, and pay the $5 entry fee for each piece of work that you submit. Submissions will be accepted during the regular gallery hours from January 1 to January 6.

Contact: For more information, please call 452-ARTS (2787).

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