Quarterly Change of Location: Midtown Alley
Last week the amazing venue we were having donated for our use hit an electrical snag in their construction, and it was possible their air conditioning might not be up and running in time for the Quarterly. Rather than risking a miserably hot show, we’ve spent the last several days tracking down an alternative space somewhere in St. Louis to hold the Quarterly. We found it.
It’s incredible. 3141 Locust (Unit 2B on the floorplan, map here). With 5,300 square feet in one room, it was the location of this year’s “Pins and Needles Alternative Fashion Show” May 17th, 2010. It’s less than a block away from The Fountain on Locust and Anatomy of Style. The developer, Jassen Johnson of Renaissance Development Associates (RDA), has almost single handedly transformed the Midtown Alley neighborhood from the dilapidated skeleton of St. Louis’s automotive industry into one of the fastest growing destinations for creative and design professionals and entrepreneurs. We participated in their annual Midtown Alley Streetfest last year, and will do so again on August 20th this year.
Working in “alternative spaces” like this can be a real challenge sometimes, but it is unlike anything else in St. Louis. Everything else will remain unchanged, and we will once again showcase some of the most exciting fine art work that St. Louis’s creative culture has to offer!
2010 Summer Quarterly Preview
On July 31st at 6:30 PM, we’ll be showcasing 11 new artists at a brand new, never-before-seen space. Sound exciting? It gets better…
UPDATE: The location for the 2010 Summer Quarterly has changed. Please go here for more info and the address.
We will be hosted by The Collective, a new business on opening on Meremac Avenue (same block as Urban Eats Cafe) with a mission to create:
The Collective: collaboration, professionalism, inspiration.
The Collective is a new space for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and freelancers who want a professional space but don’t want to pay rent for a full office. It is an historic building with restored original tin ceilings, hardwood floors, 2 conference rooms, and 3200 sqft of workable private and public space. Located at 3309 Meramec, our hope is provide small business owners and creative professionals with a natural home to collaborate, exude professionalism while hosting and working with their clients, and be inspired each time they step into their work place. Ultimately, we hope our growth facilitates and contributes a stronger St. Louis City.
The 2010 Summer Quarterly will be the very first time their doors are opened, and we will serve as an open house to launch this exciting new opportunity!
Also, having 11 artists on the bill is almost 3 times as many as we have tried in the past! But don’t worry, we will never sacrifice quality for quantity! This time around we have a solid mix of veteran and emerging artists, combining to make an exhibition of extremely good art and passionate excitement. Fashion, Paint, Photography, LIVE Art, Mixed Media Sculpture… there is definitely something for everyone in this show! Combine this with the incredible space and the hospitality you can expect at the Quarterly, and there are few events more necessary for the year!
FEATURED ARTISTS
Arlene Ligori (Mixed Media Painting)
Arushi Kumar (Fashion)
Brandon Barnes (Mixed Media Sculpture)
Hal Moran (Photography)
Jeff Kapfer (Painting)
Jennifer Roberts (Photography)
Kim Wardenburg (Printmaking)
Mark Taylor (Painting)
Mary Richards (Drawing)
Rachel Kornhardt (Photography)
Tim Wagner (Mixed Media, LIVE ART)
You can check out samples of the work that will be displayed in the gallery below.
Please RSVP on the Facebook Page here to help us get a handle on food and drinks for the evening.
2010 Summer Quarterly Details
When: July 31, 6:30 PM
Where: 3309 Meremac Avenue, 63118
Cost: Always FREE!
Call for Art: 2010 Summer Quarterly
CALL FOR ENTRY, All Mediums, AU(STL) Summer Quarterly Submissions Due by 11:59PM on June 26th.
Attention artists and creative catalysts. It’s that time again and AU(STL) is looking for local talent to feature in our 2010 Summer Quarterly July 31st! In addition to participating in this AU event, being a Featured Artist qualifies you to be sponsored by Art Underground on events you do in the St. Louis area. This includes assistance with advertising and PR, networking and professional development, and the invitation to join a community of people seeking to “create a St. Louis that ought to be.”
For this Quarterly, we are especially looking for larger pieces in any visual medium. We will have lots of space and would love to take advantage of every inch! Jump on this one fast, as we already have a few artists lined up…
If you are an artist, or know one who would be interested in this opportunity, please send the following submission requirements to AU Submissions (submissions@artundergroundstl.org) no later than Saturday, June 26th. Upon receipt of your application, we will send you further details on the event.
[SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS]
If we do not receive complete information for the following categories, your submission will not be considered. Feel free to simply copy/paste this format and replace the descriptions with your information.
- Full Name
- Contact Information
- Email Address
- Physical Address
- Daytime Phone Number
- Bio and Work Description – 50 words or less. This may describe the artist’s background, materials, and stylistic distinctions. This will be included in the slides for display at the event.
- Digital Samples - This depends significantly on the type of work, but some kind of example needs to be submitted for application and (if accepted) marketing. Pictures, videos, writing samples, etc. must be submitted with Bio and Work Descriptions. Also include the following information with each sample. This information will be plugged into AU(STL) labels for exhibiting your work:
- Title
- Size/dimension
- Value/cost (optional)
- Acknowledgement of Fees – To curb frivolous applications and drop-outs, a very modest $25 fee will be charged to accepted artists and go towards defraying the cost of food and drinks. This will be the only fee, and we will never charge a commission on anything exhibited at an Art Underground Quarterly. Simply include the statement, “I acknowledge the $25 Participation Fee” in your submission and that will suffice.
Art After Dark
By AU(STL) Director, Brad Edwards
On May 15th, Art Underground will be co-hosting Art After Dark: a concert featuring St. Louis soul/pop-rock sensation Fundamental Elements, a silent art auction featuring new work from our Quarterly Artists, and a social fund-raising event for one of St. Louis’s most passionate and effective non-profit organizations directly addressing the education problems in St. Louis City: Succeeding with Reading.
Succeeding With Reading, founded in 2004, inspires a love of reading and writing and builds hard skills in low-income youth that struggle with literacy. We implement classrooms which have a 3:1 student to teacher ratio, so that students are almost always next to a strong lead teacher, reading specialist, creative writing instructor, or trained volunteer tutor. Our curriculum is termed “Balanced Literacy”, a best practice method used in the best schools across the country. This year we will give away 5000 books for students to practice their new skills.
Our goal is to raise $25,000 to buy books, train tutors, and otherwise empower hundreds of grade school kids in the city.
This event is connected to and will follow Urban Expression (event description here, details here), a comprehensive arts program for inner city students, inspiring them to tell the stories of their lives and neighborhoods through digital photography, creative writing,
and visual art. The project is a collaboration of The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, 3 renowned local artist-educators (Stewart Halperin, Janie Ibur, Juan William Chavez) and Chicago-based visiting artist Theaster Gates. Student art and artist work will be exhibited in Grand Center, with the opening occurring on May 15. Art After Dark is the after-party to this landmark event.
Representing Art Underground are a variety of mediums, including photography, paint, mixed media, and live painting. We welcome back Featured Quarterly Artists Mike Bolton, Angie Griffith, Jennifer Everett, Kim Wardenburg, Maria Boehm, Mark Grapengater, Seth Caplan and Brad Edwards. Their work will be up for silent auction, with 50% of the proceeds going to benefit Succeeding with Reading.
Purchase tickets in advance here, and RSVP via Facebook here!
Spring Quarterly CANCELED
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 2010 Spring Quarterly: Unseamly Talkis canceled. Having almost 250 people come through for our last Quarterly and the probability that this trend will continue brings a lot of wear-and-tear to the common space in a condo building, and the last thing we want to do is have our presence cause financial burdens for the community hosting us. Part of being “underground” means that we function without the stability of an established space or gallery, and it’s no minor miracle that we have not had a major setback thus far! Stay tuned for details on a monumental event May 15th sponsored by Art Underground and featuring Quarterly artists. And of course, the Quarterly will be coming back in a new space this July!
2010 Spring Quarterly: Unseamly Talk
Our hallmark event, the Quarterly, is coming back Saturday, April 24 at 6:30 PM. Every three months we showcase local artists in the lofts, condos and homes of St. Louis. The combination of a gallery’s professional approach and home’s warm social atmosphere make for an incredibly unique evening.
This season features an incredibly diverse array of cutting edge fashion (never-before-seen pieces worn by live models mingling in the crowd throughout the evening!), photography, 2 and 3-dimensional ink drawings, 2 video art works, and printmaking . You can find out many more details about these artists and their work here.
This Quarterly’s venue is one of the most unique in the Midwest region, much less the city of St. Louis. Hosts Phil and Becca Woods are opening up their home in a completely renovated 19th century gothic-style church called The Abbey on the Park at 1505 Missouri Ave. in Lafayette Square. Soaring 50-foot ceilings, the original organ pipes, gorgeous stained-glass windows, and a professional gallery hanging and lighting system make this loft a work of art in it’s own right! Check out some of the photos of this incredible space from our 2009 Fall Quarterly…
Join Art Underground Saturday, April 24th at 6:30 pm, 1505 Missouri Ave. unit #2E for some of our city’s best creative culture!
2010 Spring Quarterly: Artist Preview
By AU Director, Brad Edwards
It’s that time again, and the Spring Quarterly is quickly approaching this month. On April 24th, we will once again host a one-night-only gallery exhibition in the home of a St. Louis City resident. While the details are still coming together, we officially have our artist lineup!
This Quarterly will be a new direction for Art Underground. Our Quarterly Call for Art continues to attract some of St. Louis’ most talented emerging artists. Our 2010 Winter Quarterly: Positive Obsession, had a very strong aesthetic focus and was visually just stunning. While our Spring Quarterly will as well, this one is strongly content or message-driven. Each of these pieces intend to say something, and they say it through a variety of different means, styles and volumes!
Brandon Barnes
Brandon Barnes is a senior at Webster University, graduating in May. His workcombines sculpture and drawing by taking the linear qualities of ink on paper, and creating sculptures that reflect these qualities and physically branch off of the work.
Seth Caplan
Seth Caplan is a senior photography major at Washington University in St. Louis, originally from New York. His work explores the idea of performance in identities and relationships, and how cultural norms affect these performances, personally and in our interactions with others.
Jeremiah Clark is a senior at Greenville College. Something that he has become particularly interested in recently is process. Jeremiah uses video as his chosen avenue to show the process that an artist can go through to produce a work of art, both literally and metaphorically (due to the nature of his medium, you will just have to wait until the Quarterly to see a sample of his work).
Arushi Kumar
Arushi Kumar is our first every fashion designer and artist! She is a recent graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Department of Fashion Design. The focus of her work is the realm of conceptual fashion and specifically, deconstruction of common stylistic elements found in contemporary clothing. The picture shown here is an example from her last line. She will be unveiling her new work, worn by models mingling with the crowd throughout the evening, at the Spring Quarterly!
Mary Richards
For Mary Richards, Buddhism, psychotherapy, and neuroscience are the basis ofher current body of work. She is interested in how the process of drawing (the behavior itself) can link to neuroscience and the recent research contending that humans can re-wire, de-clutter, re-route and modify our synapses – our brain chemistry. Her drawings are repetitive, include mark-making sounds, are relative to the natural curve of wrist/hand/arm, involve time, are obsessive and thus extremely meditative.
Kim Wardenburg
Kim Wardenburg will complete her BFA in printmaking at Washington University in St. Louis in May 2010. I use traditional and experimental printmaking techniques to investigate covenants (specifically, their significance to the United States’ involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict) and explore connections between disparate people and places, struggling against imminent disaster and brokenness.
Explaining “Underground”
by AU(STL) Director Brad Edwards
Art Underground began as an initiative to help friends in the “starving artist” category find opportunities to make some kind of living off their labor of love (you can read more about how this happened here). After the economy tanked in October of 2008, many of these friends went from “starving” to a category just below that, for which I’ve not yet discovered a label. Art is a luxury for most, but an absolute necessity for artists.
Our 2010 Winter Quarterly was our 1st anniversary show, and a lot has changed since that first “wine and art party” a year ago. We have literally stumbled upon success: St. Louisans love the Quarterly, and amazingly talented and gifted artists are coming out of the woodwork to connect with them. The most unexpected and exciting aspect of this success is that people who would normally be intimidated by galleries or exhibitions are coming out in droves. In other words, art is gaining new fans rather than recycling an existing audience. Everyone wins when both art and her appreciators grow.
Due to this success, Art Underground has grown from something truly underground and unknown into something with no small amount of buzz. We’ve had to introduce structure and policies to intentionally but slowly grow and protect the potency of the opportunity. For example, because we have over a dozen artists submit work for every Quarterly and we have limited space, we have to jury the submissions. Also, with hundreds of “fans” on our Facebook Page, we have to limit posts and advertisements for art to those who have already shown in a Quarterly. Otherwise, no posts from either AU(STL) or our featured artists would ever be seen.
I recently received an email from someone who took issue with our use of the word “underground” to describe our organization, especially considering the “exclusive” rules we’ve put into place to focus and harness that success.
True “underground” is diametrically opposed to “exclusive.” Underground art doesn’t require “submission” to be what it is. Maybe you should change your name, since you seem to employ it either improperly or as a gimmick. The whole notion of underground is about non-conformist, anti-establishment, anti-elite brutes and rejects… You use it to connote an “exclusive group” and worry about crowding your site with “well intentioned” artists….
I hope you realize that people you reject are the true “underground” artists, and not your hand-picked selection, and that if you ever were underground, rejected, a brute of an artist, you’d laugh at yourself.
Now, there are several aspects of this that I truly grieve over. I hate to think that we “reject” anyone, and exclusivity being positive or negative depends greatly on why it is there. However, the most important aspect of this email is the very legitimate need for clarifying how and why we consider ourselves “underground.”
The latest issue of Paste Magazine’s cover story is entitled, “Is Indie Dead?” (Side note: to add to the ironic gall for even asking their hipster readership this question, they patterned the cover after the famous [infamous?] cover of the 1966 issue of Time Magazine asking, “Is God Dead?”) Assistant Editor Rachael Maddux perceptively poses the question due to a growing epidemic use of “indie” to describe “a genre (of music first, and then of film, books, video games and anything else with a perceived arty sensibility, regardless of its relationship to a corporation), an ethos, a business model, a demographic and a marketing tool. It can signify everything, and it can signify nothing.”
There is a danger for AU(STL) to face the same challenge (if we haven’t already). As we grow, success simultaneously undermines our uniqueness and better equips us to serve artists. Maddux notes this paradox in her article, using the example of indie bands licensing their songs for commercial use:
For those unsure even now of the practical worth of musicians licensing their songs for commercial use, the finest bit of apologetics on the subject is probably John Leland’s 2001 New York Times Magazine piece about The Apples in Stereo licensing their song “Strawberryfire” for a Sony television commercial, which made it possible for the band’s husband-and-wife frontman and drummer to buy furniture for their new baby. ‘‘You imagine that it’s a crass process,’’ Apples lead singer Robert Schneider told Leland at the time. ‘‘But it’s not like Sony used our song in the commercial, which is how it looks to the indie kid. It’s just one guy who liked our music.’’
We’re not corporate. We’re not commercial. We’re certainly not here to make a profit. In fact, talk to any artist that has worked with us and you’ll find out that it actually costs quite a bit of money and time donated by volunteers to pull off a single Quarterly. Art Underground (STL) is indebted to the radical generosity of both individuals and communities who have taken ownership of the vision to create a St. Louis that “ought to be” through creative expression. When you boil down to it, we’re just trying to provide the St. Louis artist community with the equivalent of baby furniture. Surely there is legitimate value, and not dishonor, in this goal…?
Michael Azerrad, author of Our Band Could Be Your Life, described the underground ethos in music as we at AU(STL) interpret and own it.
“Underground music stands against and apart from mainstream culture in order to offer an antidote to it. In eras past, mainstream culture was blandly, blindly complacent, so underground music was angry and dissatisfied. [...] But now, mainstream culture isn’t complacent, it’s stupid and angry; underground culture reacts by becoming smarter, more serene. That’s not wimpy—it’s powerful and productive.”
For us, being underground is a relentless pursuit at offering an “antidote” to St. Louis mainstream culture. For artists, that culture is often fractured, ingrown and unhealthily competitive. Very few new patrons of art are cultivated. We certainly do not have all, or even very many, answers.
Thus, what we hope to bring to the table is a habit of gestures that cultivate a different posture among both the artist community and her patrons. We hope that this posture is gracious and unified (but still diverse) under a vision of a St. Louis that “ought to be.” We welcome anyone and everyone seeking to partner with this local initiative of a global movement!
Spring Quarterly Call for Artists!
CALL FOR ENTRY, All Mediums, AU(STL) Spring Quarterly Submissions Due March 6th.
Attention artists and creative catalysts. It’s that time again and AU(STL) is looking for local talent to feature in our 2010 Spring Quarterly April 24th! In addition to participating in this AU event, being a Featured Artist qualifies you to be sponsored by Art Underground on events you do in the St. Louis area. This includes assistance with advertising and PR, networking and professional development, and the invitation to join a community of people seeking to “create a St. Louis that ought to be.”
If you are an artist, or know one who would be interested in this opportunity, please send the following submission requirements to AU Submissions (submissions@artundergroundstl.org) no later than Saturday, March 6th. Upon receipt of your application, we will send you further details on the event.
Submission Requirements
- Full Name- Please format the subject line of your email as follows: “Full Name (Submission)”
- Bio and Short Artist Statement – 50 words or less. This may describe the artistʼs background, materials, medium, and stylistic distinctions. This will be included in the slides for display at the event and used for marketing.
- Digital Samples (with brief descriptions if necessary)- This depends significantly on the type of work, but some kind of example needs to be submitted for application and (if accepted) marketing. The artist must submit pictures or samples of all works they intend to display. Video clips should be 5min or less.
- Acknowledgement of Fees – To curb frivolous applications and drop-outs, a very modest $25 fee will be charged to accepted artists and go towards defraying the cost of food and drinks. This will be the only fee, and we will never charge a commission on any sales made at an Art Underground Quarterly.
If you are unfamiliar with the Quarterly, you can find out all about the concept here, the description of our 2010 Winter Quarterly here, and some great pictures from that evening here.
2010 Winter Quarterly in Review
This month’s January Quarterly set a new record for success! Somewhere around 250 St. Louisans came through to participate in the Art Underground experience. Every one of our featured artists sold work, totaling $2,500 ($375 of which will be sent to Haiti relief organizations). Not too shabby for one night! Thanks to all the artists, our hosts and guests, and the many volunteers who were absolutely integral to pulling off such a massive event! Stay tuned for the upcoming call for artists for the Spring Quarterly in April!
Creating a “Haiti that ought to be.”
Our vision is to create a “St. Louis that ought to be,” yet this vision reflects a local initiative that is part of a broader, global movement to create a “world that ought to be.” In light of the crisis in Haiti, a crisis that was further exacerbated by a second earthquake measuring 6.1 that hit Port-au-Prince last night, this Quarterly’s Featured Artists will be donating 15% of any works sold to a charity or NGO providing emergency relief to our neighbors in Haiti. Each of the individual artists have chosen an organization, and you can find out more about their choice this Saturday night.
We also discussed taking donations at the exhibition, but would instead encourage you to donate directly to a charitable organization. Quite simply, it can reach the hands of those who need it much faster if we stay out of the way. Below are a few links to trusted and effective organizations that already have a presence in the country, as well as considerable knowledge of what it will take to strategically aid Haiti long-term.
World Vision
World Vision has worked in Haiti for 30 years and has more than 800 staff on the ground. Your gift will help them meet the immediate, urgent needs of earthquake survivors, and also enable World Vision to help the people of Haiti in the weeks and months to come.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
MSF has been working in Haiti for 19 years, most recently operating three emergency hospitals in Port-au-Prince, and is mobilizing a large emergency response to this disaster. Their immediate response in the first hours following the disaster in Haiti was only possible because of private unrestricted donations from around the world received before the earthquake struck. They are currently reinforcing our teams on the ground in order to respond to the immediate medical needs and to assess the humanitarian needs that MSF will be addressing in the months ahead.
Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
If you don’t know where to donate, this is a great option that funnels donations to only reputable and effective organizations.
Creative Catalysts Park Ave. Coffee and Schlafly Beer
Webster defines “catalyst” figuratively as “a person or thing that precipitates an event.” A “Creative Catalyst” then, is a person or organization that encourages, supports or facilitates creative expression. They may or may not be artists themselves, but all of them value the unique contributions that artists provide to society. Our last article featured Matthew Hundley, Director of Abstrakt Art Gallery in Benton Park. It’s fairly easy to see how a gallery director facilitates creation: the opportunity to market one’s art is a powerful motivator for creating it. But must this term be so narrowly defined?
Art Underground is grateful for the sponsorship of two local creative catalysts that have been long-time patrons and supporters of the arts.
Schlafly Beer is generously donating their local brew to cut the costs of hospitality of our 2010 Winter Quarterly: Positive Obsession. They also don’t announce from the mountaintops that they regularly donate their delicious brew to dozens of non-profit organizations and their events across the St. Louis region. In the wake of a struggling economy, the cuts at Anhueser-Busch and their decreased support of local non-profits, Schlafly’s has valiantly worked to ease their absence and have filled in many of the gaps.
Park Avenue Coffee in Lafayette Square is donating their world-famous gooey butter cake for the Quarterly as well. If you haven’t had one, be sure to make it to the Quarterly before we run out. While their donation is sizeable, it is still bound to go fast! Owner Dale Schotte is an active advocate of the arts and also regularly supports local non-profits. As a small b
usiness owner and entrepreneur, he might not create fine art, but he does create fine artisan coffee, amazing baked goods, and one of the warmest and most social atmospheres at any coffee shop in St. Louis. They are also up for Metromix’s “Best Coffee Shop in St. Louis,” and if you’ve sampled their tasty treats and would like to support them, you can vote for them here.
Art Underground is not interested in “selling out” to corporate sponsorship. The support of these creative catalysts is vital in “creating a St. Louis that ought to be” because art simply cannot exist in a vacuum. Art and beauty are intrinsically relational and community-oriented. Thus, Art Underground is passionate about partnering with local businesses, organizations and people who are also passionate about living that vision!
Featured Artist Interview: Michael Bolton, Part 2
by AU(STL) Director, Brad Edwards
In preparation for our upcoming exhibition, the 2010 Winter Quarterly: Positive Obsession, I got the chance to interview local abstract painter, Michael Bolton. Mike will be painting live at the Quarterly, and his unique paintings will be available for purchase at the end of the evening. This is the second and last installment of his interview. You can read the first one here. (Click on thumbnails for larger images)
How has the city of St. Louis contributed to your work?
Actually I have only been a “professional artist” here, so there have been some definite aspects of St. Louis that have shaped my perspective. When I first started out, I depended on some very good local art groups. I found that these groups offered an artist a chance to grow. They were great for me to learn my way around the St. Louis art scene. Basically learning about people and places that were into and/or dealing with art.
So, kind of like Art Underground, huh? Sorry, I couldn’t help myself…
Just like you guys. Networking is what we all need and groups like yours are tremendous help with that cause. I like what you guys have planned. It is young and urban and needed.
What are the biggest challenges you face as an artist? Are there any that are particularly unique to St. Louis?
I have my own challenges. I don’t think it’s an issue of any challenges in the art community that I can’t solve. My challenges are from my side of the brush, for example, putting the time in to branch out more. I am the one that needs to sit down and do research spaces that would work well with my style of art. Putting together a more professional portfolio is another challenge for me. It all comes down to what I want to get out of my work. I am still figuring that out. If you asked me if I thought my work was great, I would enthusiastically answer that yeah, I do! But I also believe that I have a lot to learn and execute before I approach certain art establishments.
I imagine that is a challenge for any artist who is primarily working in a field that is outside their artistic interest. Would you summarize that in the category of general professional development and organization, or is that too broad?
Yeah, that sums it up. My ADHD is also part of the challenge in getting prepared for bigger and better opportunities for exhibition.
What do you hope to accomplish with your work? Is there a message, even if it is simply art for beauty’s sake that you are particularly passionate about?
People that know me and my work know that I do not necessarily have this deep art explanation for my work. It is what it is! I simply want the viewer to get something out of it.
So, general aesthetic value? Nothing wrong with that…
Not at all. Abstract art can become very personal to the viewer in their own way. The meaning can be completely different than what I intend, but overall it is usually one of enjoyment. This part explains the purchase. I just want the person who receives it to have a good response. Take flowers, for example. If something tragic or terrible happens in your life and someone is kind enough to send you flowers, at that brief moment when you open the door and see them you are simply overjoyed at the sight. There is not necessarily a “deeper” meaning than that, and that is enough. It is that feeling I want to capture with my art. Am I there yet? Sometimes I am and sometimes I’m not, but that is what keeps me painting.
Mike, thanks for your time and your creative efforts. Where can we go to view more of your work and keep up with your events?
My website is www.mboltonart.com. Though it needs some updating with my current work, it has all of my information where I can be contacted.
Featured Artist Interview: Michael Bolton, Part 1
by AU(STL) Director, Brad Edwards
In preparation for our upcoming exhibition, the 2010 Winter Quarterly: Positive Obsession, I got the chance to interview local abstract painter, Michael Bolton. Mike will be painting live at the Quarterly, and his unique paintings will be available for purchase at the end of the evening. His style is constantly evolving and his light-hearted outlook on life transcends into his bright and vibrant paintings. He is also a husband, a father, and a full-time teacher, though it is clear that his passion for art informs, and is informed by, his other roles. (Click on thumbnails for larger images)
Mike, how would you describe your work?
Informal geometric abstract paintings with large color fields.
What about your medium and style excites you?
I really enjoy the fact that 90% of my work is not planned before time. I also really love the bright color fields that seemingly take over a room. I want the color to bring a smile to the viewers face when they look at each piece.
Are there any particular life experiences that you see as being formational to how you approach your work (i.e. community, culture, upbringing, faith, etc.)?
Being a fourth grade teacher, my daily life is very detailed and hectic at times, so my work is much more relaxed and free flowing. Also, I did have a chaotic upbringing at times and drawing was always a release for me. I still see it that way. Being raised by a “good ole boy” southern father and a trapped mother often led to a “spanking” for wrong-doings. I do recall two summer long groundings that came after a couple of severe spankings for some poor decisions that I made. I discovered painting to be a creative outlet for that. As far are my current daily life, I tend to paint if I have a challenging day from my students. It just gives me a chance to take a step back, catch my breath and be creative. It’s calming.
What drives or motivates you? What has been a recent source of inspiration?
The enjoyment that I get out of painting is what drives me. When I first started painting seriously about 4 years ago I was only doing it for myself. Before my wife and I moved to St. Louis we lived out West and didn’t have a child, so I had a lot more of both space and time in which to work. One, my wife came down to my make-shift studio and I had about 60-70 paintings leaning against the wall and this prompted her to ask what I had planned on doing with all of the paintings. At the time I really didn’t have a plan, or realize that I had that much work just resting against the wall. This exchange is what prompted me to put together a portfolio.
I love that… would it be fair to say that selling your work was barely even an afterthought? It sounds like the creative process is a pretty “pure” motivation for you. To apply a music term, you haven’t “sold out” in your success.
Selling my work actually came as a surprise. I remember the first piece that I sold. I sold a painting that was broken into four 2×2 ft. pieces for around $350. I was so excited at the time. I never thought that that same size now would go for about four times that much. I just paint what I want and when I have shows I wait for the right customer to come along that really enjoys it as much as I do. It is all about finding the right place and/or client for your work. As far as “sold out” goes I have never been faced yet with a decision that would lead to that. Since I have a full-time job I have never relied on my art moneys to pay my bills. I would probably do things very differently if it were my only source of income.
Depending on the medium, the social or relational facets of art are often overlooked. How have relationships or community shaped your perspective as an artist?
I think the relationships that have most influenced my art would be my clients themselves. I do a lot of commission-based work and I have some clients that have several pieces of mine. I’ve have formed special relationships with each of them. The vast majority of my clients have also become good friends. I’ve lost track of how many commissions I’ve done through referrals from neighbors and co-workers of previous clients. They buy in and begin to network for you. This is a type of relationship that many people unfamiliar with the “art scene” overlook.
I imagine that if you are not a fairly regular patron of the arts, it’s easy to neglect that. People are not just buying a work of art, but tangibly investing in a vision and a relationship. Pretty satisfying, isn’t it?
If you think about someone loving something that you created enough to spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on it… yeah… that is pretty amazing. Yet it’s also a difficult tension to live in because… and this is just a pet peeve of my own… some overlook the fact that we, as artists, are also businessmen and women. I think some people tend to brush it off as a hobby or something a bit less important.
Part 2 of this interview is soon to follow so stay tuned!
Winter Quarterly: Positive Obsession
Our hallmark event, the Quarterly, is coming back Saturday, January 23. Every three months we showcase local artists in the lofts, condos and homes of St. Louis. The combination of a gallery’s professional approach and home’s warm social atmosphere make for an incredibly unique evening.
This season features an incredibly diverse array of live abstract painting, photography, “urban pop abstract mixed mediums,” and illustrations. You can find out many more details about these artists and their work here.
This Quarterly’s venue is one of the most unique in the Midwest region, much less the city of St. Louis. Hosts Phil and Becca Woods are opening up their home in a completely renovated 19th century gothic-style church called The Abbey on the Park in Lafayette Square. Soaring 50-foot ceilings, the original organ pipes, gorgeous stained-glass windows, and a professional gallery hanging and lighting system make this loft a work of art in it’s own right! Check out some of the photos of this incredible space from our 2009 Fall Quarterly…
Join Art Underground January 23rd at 7:30 pm in unit #2E for some of the city’s best creative culture!
2010 Winter Quarterly Artist Preview
Art Underground is pleased to invite St. Louis artists Mike Bolton, Jen Everett, Angie Griffith and Missy Hanson to be featured at our next Quarterly, January 23rd. Details for the event will be posted soon, but here’s a preview of the artists to satisfy your burning curiosity while you wait!
While our first artist, Michael Bolton, will not be displaying any of his current works at this Quarterly, he will be painting live throughout the evening (more on this in an upcoming Featured Artist Interview). As an abstract painter, he rarely uses a paint brush. Instead, pallet knives and screwdrivers are more often included in his repertoire. Many of his paintings consist of ordinary house paint, housing caulk, and other everyday materials. His exposure to and understanding of art has certainly changed over the years, but the fun and satisfaction in creating something for himself and others to enjoy has never diminished. He now encourages this same passion in others as a fourth grade teacher in the Normandy School District.
Photographer Jennifer Everett was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1981. She studied architecture and gained a reverence for space and form, but was also intrigued by stark, urban landscapes which often included decay and gentrification. Her work forces the viewer to face this landscape and challenges them to find beauty.
Urban Pop Artist Angie Griffith has been 
drawing and creating as long as she can re
member. Each aspect of her art tells a story – from the colors, to the marks, to the medium(s) she chooses to use, to the emotions she pours into every second spent on a piece. She is inspired by music, movies, and people, as well as past struggles, present strife and personal breakthroughs.She is inspired by artists such as Bankse, Warhol, Basquiat, Ad Reinhardt, and Judith Supine to name a few.
Illustrator and Photographer Missy Sue Hanson dreams too much. If there is such a thing. I smile at strangers and love to hear their stories. She believes that everyone is beauty personified and is passionate about pretty much everything. Her 
work is emotionally driven. Being self taught in all of her chosen mediums (photography, illustration & mixed media) has helped her develop a unique and personal approach to her work. Much of her work, especially her photography, is indicative of vintage eras and memories stilled.
New Year’s Eve Underground
Set design from New Year's Eve, 2008
launches when all the plays run back-to-back, culminating in one massive New Year’s Eve celebratory event marking ITP’s birthday. “Five years ago my Co-Founder and I set out to create a company that presents exciting new forms of theatre. 24/6 was our first show, and it is the fulcrum upon which ITP’s energy hinges,” says Managing Director and 24/6 Coordinator Kyle Kratky. “Our plays rely upon solid writing about real human relationships and stories. This year will be no different.”
24/6 provides a structured environment where collaborators are encouraged to make swift, bold choices. The resulting plays are powerful, moving, comedic and profound. ITP connects artists from St. Louis, Chicago and beyond in a kaleidoscopic, high-energy event, providing an evening of solid, accessible theatre while encouraging new and epic stories. “24/6 is a reunion and a party. Old friends are united and new acquaintances join the fun. We push for something welcoming, vibrant and unexpected.”
Winter Quarterly Call for Artists
Calling all artists and creative catalysts! It’s that time again and AU(STL) is looking for local talent to feature in our 2010 Winter Quarterly on January 23rd! In addition to getting valuable exposure and having the opportunity to sell your work for absolutely zero commission, being a Featured Artist qualifies you to be sponsored by Art Underground on events you do in the St. Louis area. This includes assistance with advertising and PR, networking and educational opportunities, and the invitation to join a community of people seeking to “create a St. Louis that ought to be.”
AU has grown by leaps and bounds in our first year, and we are excited to unleash new creative works on St. Louis with this Winter’s Quarterly. We’ve attracted the interest of amazing hosts and donors to make it a show you won’t want to miss! If you are an artist, or know one who would be interested in this opportunity, please send the following submission requirements to Brad Edwards (brad@artundergroundstl.org) no later than Sunday, December 27th. Upon receipt of your application, we will send you further details on the event.
Submission Requirements
- Full Name- Please format the subject line of your email as follows: “Full Name (Submission)”
- Bio and Work Description – 50 words or less. This may describe the artistʼs background, materials, and stylistic distinctions. This will be included in the slides for display at the event and used for marketing.
- Digital Samples - This depends significantly on the type of work, but some kind of example needs to be submitted for application and (if accepted) marketing. The artist must submit pictures or samples of all works they intend to display.
- Acknowledgement of Fees – To curb frivolous applications and drop-outs, a very modest $20 fee will be charged to accepted artists and go towards defraying the cost of food and drinks. This will be the only fee, and we will never charge a commission on any sales made at an Art Underground event.
If you are unfamiliar with the Quarterly, you can find out all about the concept here, the description of our 2009 Fall Quarterly here, and some great pictures from the Fall edition here.
Abstrakt Art Gallery in Benton Park
A “Creative Catalyst” is a person or organization that encourages, supports or facilitates creative expression. They may or may not be artists themselves, but all of them value the unique contributions that artists provide to society. Art Underground recently got the chance to interview the Director of Abstrakt Gallery, Matt Hundley. Matt also happens to be an accomplished musician (guitar) specializing in international styles of music, and he is blessed to have the opportunity to support other artists through his role at Abstrakt Art Gallery.
How was Abstrakt founded?
Abstrakt Gallery was started by Ben and Scott Scully. Their mother, Cammie Scully, is the Executive Director of the Waterloo Center for the Arts (Waterloo, Iowa). When they purchased the building at 1900 Arenal they both felt the main floor would be perfect for a gallery. Plus this offered an opportunity for the sons to work with their mother and develop a business on something they all enjoy…ART.
So how did you get connected to the gallery?
I met Ben and Scott through Paco Rosic—who was the first artist to show here. Paco and I have been friends for some time. Ironically, I had served on the Arts & Cultural Commission in Waterloo, Iowa—which served as the Board of Directors for the Waterloo Center of the Arts. So I knew Cammie Scully, Ben and Scott’s mom. As we got to talking the position of Gallery Director came up and I readily accepted.
You’ve pointed out to me that Abstrakt is hosting several artists from Iowa. Is this a result of your connection there?
Absolutely. The galleries tie to Iowa will be apparent in the selection of some of the upcoming artists. As stated earlier, Paco Rosic is also from Iowa. Next year we will bring in Kim Behm and Gary Kelley—both of whom are recognized on a national level for their work as illustrators and painters; both reside in Iowa.
How is Abstrakt a “Creative Catalyst” in and for the St. Louis area? How does Abstrakt serve or contribute to the local artist community?
So far the artists we’ve featured at ABSTRAKT have been primarily from Saint Louis. Kennedy Yanko showed her abstract paintings in our second show. The “CultureSurfer 5” was a juried show in conjunction with CultureSurfer.com and featured local talents Laura Lloyd, Jennifer Hayes, Jovan Hansman, David Langley and Phil Jarvis. Our next big event will feature Thomas Yanko and Eric Nichols—both Saint Louis artists. Then I have a three artists show highlighting local talent this Spring.
Is there a particular theme or style of art that you are wanting to show?
In a gallery called “ABSTRAKT” you’d think all the art we featured was abstract in nature. That’s not the case. We ARE trying to showcase a variety of mediums and styles. We’re also looking to feature a good mix of emerging and established artists. I’m looking to expand our offerings in the area of sculpture and photography.
I saw that a significant part of your mission is to give back to the community through art. I love this aspect of Abstrak because it separates those galleries that see their role as a voice in and for the community from those that are merely a business that sells art. How are you tangible accomplishing this?
So far, every exhibition opening and closing has been both a social function and a fundraising event. We typically have a recommended donation at the door and an art raffle. Also, we offer 10% of any art sales back to the organization, and other creative opportunities to raise funds. We have worked with local and national charities including: College Bound, Judevine, Operation Smile, MS, Faces in the Loop…and our next event will benefit Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition. So far, each of these nights have raised somewhere between $500 and $3500 for their respective charities.
That is incredible… What about art education or other outreach events? Is there anything like that on the horizon for Abstrakt?
I would like to. As a “for profit” gallery we need to sell art and rent the space to keep the doors open. That said, I would love to have weekly art talks and invite art classes from our local schools in to view the art and meet the artists. I think there could be a benefit to area businesses seeking to invigorate the creative side of their staffs through art workshops or seminars. I think churches and community groups could benefit from engaging with the artwork and artists as well.
You mentioned that Abstrakt has gallery available for rent…
Most definitely. We are certainly available for corporate events, weddings and receptions, office parties, family gatherings and so on. We can fit 150-190 into the place depending on how we configure the room. I’m open to working with promoters as well to book live music, theatrical projects or spoken word acts into the space as well. We had Javier Mendoza play for our last open and it sounded great. We also had a string quartet perform recently, and the acoustics worked very well in this space.
When is the gallery open?
Right now the hours are slated as Thursday through Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Or by appointment.
Upcoming Events @ Abstrakt
ABSTRAKT GALLERY presents the work of
TOM YANKO | ERIC NICHOLS
Dec 3 – Jan 9 @ ABSTRAKT GALLERY
OPEN: Thursday, December 3 – 7 PM
Proceeds Benefit Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition
Tom Yanko offers up a series of architectural abstrakts.
Eric Nichols weaves wood and wire, paint and ceramics in ways that you must see to appreciate.
ABSTRAKT GALLERY presents our
FIRST ANNUAL ART GALA
Thursday, December 3 – 7 PM
This event is held in conjunction with the Yanko/Nichols Open.
The GALA brings back the work of: Paco Rosic, Kennedy Yanko, Phil Jarvis, Jennifer Hayes, Laura Lloyd and David Langley. Several of these artists will be presenting new works for the event. We’d love to pack the house for this event and show our support for the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition
Immediacy Theatre Project
ITP have been long time friends of Art Underground. Their performances are consistently fresh, sometimes outrageous, often significant and always entertaining. Founded in the last few hours of 2004 by by Ian Randall and Kyle Kratky (and “a variety of crazy people who love to rock socks”) they “produce new theatrical works that break the rules of conventional theatre, reassemble them, then break them again.”
Immediacy Theatre Project (ITP) encourages communication on issues of gender, race, class, and politics by exploring new forms of theatre through immediacy. ITP facilitates dialogue by producing new theatrical works that challenge conventional notions surrounding theatre as an art form.
They are unique pioneers, fearlessly engaging artistic assumptions, but they are not provocative for the sake of provocation. There is a creatively subtle agenda behind their craft, encouraging the audience to assume a posture that humanizes rather than demonizes. Plays are unpredictably reverent and self-deprecating, simultaneously affirming and critiquing, conflictingly absurd and masterful. For them, audience participation is key, and they mean it when they say that the “stage” extends from the empty space in front of the seating, past the chair you sit in, over the bar in the back, and spilling out into the surrounding neighborhood… go ahead… dare them.
It is very possible that you will disagree with their conclusions, but gosh darn are they likable! You simply can’t escape the temptation to applaud their reckless pursuit of a common humanity. Here are a few upcoming events that you don’t want to miss!
WRETCHED READINGS
Immediacy Theatre Project (ITP) is pleased as punch to announce a ‘Wretched Readings’ fundraiser November 23 at Duff’s in the Central West End.
‘Wretched Readings’ will feature a slew of prepared readers sharing their terrible poems, prose, plays, film scripts, research papers and more. Managing Director Kyle Kratky will host the fundraiser. In addition to the prepared performers, audience members are invited to sign up for an open mic slot to share their journal entries, haiku or anything else they have personally written.
‘Wretched Readings’ costs $5 at the door, and the bar will be open for business. Proceeds will go toward ITP’s New Year’s Eve twenty-four hour new plays festival ’24/6.’
Doors will open at 6:30. The readings start at 7:00 pm.
Facebook event page for Wretched Readings.
BEST OF DRAWN & QUARTERED
Immediacy Theatre Project (ITP) is absolutely jazzed to present thirty-five plays in this year’s final installment of ‘Drawn & Quartered.’
ITP has been producing episodes of ‘Drawn & Quartered’ for nearly five years. They have produced over 400 two-minute plays. Audiences have heard stories tragic, humorous and bizarre. Sock puppets have been martyred. Politics have been discussed. Ideas have been transferred. Amidst the flashy lights and exciting dance numbers, they have continuously challenged notions about conventional theatre and, above all, sought to create lasting connections with their audience members. ITP Artistic Director Matt Heckman has been hard at work selecting plays from their archives that represent the best cross-section of the work we’ve created over the past several years. The final result is manic, personal and sharp.
You are invited to laugh, ponder and gasp with ITP for a massive ‘Drawn & Quartered’ event – 35 of their best two-minute plays performed in an order chosen by you: the audience.
This is a FREE EVENT at the Schlafly Branch of the St. Louis Public Library (at Lindell and Euclid) on December 2 at 7 pm.
Facebook event page for BEST OF D&Q.
November Events
Culture Surfer Show @ Abstrakt Gallery
Abstrakt Gallery is an incredible Creative Catalyst that gives 10% of it’s proceeds to local community organizations creating a “St. Louis that ought to be.” Be sure to check out the CULTURE SURFER 5 show at ABSTRAKT Gallery (1902 Arsenal next to the Benton Park Cafe). The exhibit features works by local artists: Phil Jarvis, David Langley, Jennifer Hayes, Laura Lloyd and Jovan Hansman. The show will be hung through 11/12. Call 314.577.0342 for gallery hours or questions.
Underground Artists, Susannah Newman and Annie Kuhn Holiday Open House
Sisters Susannah and Annie were featured artists in our last Winter Quarterly and the 2009 Midtown Street Fest. Their collaborative jewelry business, Mia Sorella Designs (Italian for “My sister”), was started three years ago. Their pieces are original, unique, earthy, and affordable! They are inspired by the natural beauty of the earth, and seek to capture it in each piece they design. They also specialize in wedding jewelry, as well as custom designing pieces. Join them on November 14th, at 639 Amelia Ave in Webster Groves, anytime in between 2 and 5pm for FREE wine, appetizers, and their latest fall and winter designs. Call if you have any questions (314.368.3128). Also, for a preview of their designs, check out our website.
Fall Quarterly in Review
The Fall Quarterly was a hit! Almost 100 people from all parts of the city came out to view some incredible pieces of art and enjoy the warm and unique social atmosphere of the Woods home. Many thanks to artists Jake Amundson, Dail Chambers and Tracy Kodner! Pictures from the evening are below. Artwork pictured in the gallery is for sale. For purchase or commission inquiries, contact Art Underground and we will connect you with the respective artist.
New Relationship with International Arts Movement
From it’s inception, Art Underground has drawn significant inspiration from International Arts Movement (IAM) based out of New York City. You may have noticed that our Mission and Vision draw significantly from the language of their own, so it just makes sense to join their movement.
From their website:
“Art is society’s existential statement, in answer to the question, “Why live?” International Arts Movement works as a catalyst to inspire people to hope, engage deeply into the depth of culture’s critical zones, and create a world that ought to be. We believe that artistic excellence as a model of “what ought to be” paves the way for lasting, enduring humanity.”
IAM was founded by world-renown Nihonga artist and writer Makoto Fujimura. In addition to being the first non-Japanese citizen admitted into the post MFA doctoral program at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, and a member of the National Council of the Arts, he has spent his career pursuing the “rehumanization” of culture through the arts. You can find more information about Fujimura here.
As Art Underground grows and seeks out new opportunities to inspire a St. Louis that “ought to be,” we will be working with IAM to coordinate our efforts, learn from each others’ experience, and join the movement that includes so many organizations from across the globe.
Art Underground is now a “Local Group” within the wider movement that is IAM.
What does this relationship with IAM mean for Art Underground?
We will have the opportunity to network with and learn from artists and creative catalysts with enormous amounts of experience, helping us to continually pursue artistic and creative excellence. Art Underground seeks to be a movement, never an institution or a bureaucracy. This will provide a forum for the exchange of innovation for movement-sustainability, without falling onto the easy path of existing for our own sake.
What does this relationship with IAM mean for St. Louis?
This will enable anyone to connect with a global vision that is still distinctly St. Louis. This will take a variety of forms, and connect the city to a creative community that extends well beyond our regional or cultural borders.
In English? What does this mean practically?
First, we continue what we are doing. We will continue to seek to revitalize our urban environment through a culture of creativity emerging from and inspired by the underground art scene of St. Louis City. We will continue to engage with society’s existential question of “why live?” This relationship will help us find new ways of doing this, such as sponsoring conferences and inviting IAM Staff Members and Artists as keynote speakers, holding discussions in local galleries about art, culture and faith, and inviting new voices to join the conversation. We also plan to participate with IAM Global via Live Webcasts and possibly sending groups to the Annual Encounter Conferences in New York City. The possibilities are limitless.
News and Updates (9/29)
- Midtown Street Fest was a HUGE success! Many thanks to Immediacy Theatre Project, Lauren Lane, Dail Chambers, Mia Sorella Designs, M. Bolton, and Fundamental Elements for their creative contributions! Hundreds of St. Louisans came through to check out the city’s newest neighborhood, sample food from local restaurants like Pappy’s Smokehouse and Buffalo Brewing Company, and check out the amazing real estate available for lease and purchase.
- We’ve added a new “Gallery” page to the website, showcasing artwork donated to raise funds for Art Underground as well as provide a concrete way to support local art outside of our events. Check back often, as the content will be updated on a regular basis, and we’ll be posting pricing information soon. For more information on any pieces displayed there, email brad@artundergroundstl.org.
- We’re starting a “Featured Artists” series in the next week. I (Brad) will be interviewing artists to pick their brains, expose their souls, and otherwise get to know some of the creative talent in our city. First up: Dail Chambers, one of our 3 artists scheduled to exhibit their work at our next Quarterly.