Throughout the month of February, Evanston will get its very own “Pop-up Gallery,” as it is known in Britain and New York City where the phenomenon has taken hold. These temporary art galleries are “popping up” where construction and commerce have stalled allowing struggling commercial landlords and developers to keep up appearances while giving local artists an opportunity to display and sell their work.
ARTSPACE will open at 716 Main St. (next to Good’s of Evanston) with a “First Look” evening event. The public is invited to stop by the ad hoc gallery between 6 and 9 p.m. on Feb. 11 to celebrate and support local artistic talent. The temporary gallery will remain open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wed.-Sun. until Feb. 27.
Although Evanston has experienced storefront art exhibits before, this is its first true “pop-up” gallery. ARTSPACE is the creation of Harvey Pranian, well known art and antiques dealer, who has been doing business in Evanston for over 40 years. As curator of ARTSPACE, Harvey is bringing together a group of 11 highly talented area artists who work in various media: painting, printmaking, photography, watercolor, ceramics, sculpture and quilting. Harvey will also show art and antiques from his own collection. All work will be for sale.
Artists who will be featured at ARTSPACE throughout the month include Victor Boyer, Julie Cowan, Charles Heinrich, Nancy Landin, Julie Meridian, Leslie Riley, Gay Riseborough, Mary Seyfarth, Sue Sommers, Mark Thomas and Amy Woodbury.
“I am so excited about this month long event,” says Mr. Pranian. “Evanston is full of amazingly talented and creative people. ARTSPACE will give these artists an opportunity to exhibit their talents while exposing the community to a wide-range of artwork.”
These temporary galleries provide a showcase for many artists at a time when conventional galleries are closing or struggling to survive.
Mr. Pranian, who is also the founder and organizer of Evanston’s popular annual YEA (Young Evanston Artists) event, says although he will likely break even with ARTSPACE, he truly enjoys doing it.
“I like to be involved in something I enjoy,” he says. “As art programs continue to get cut back, it is even more important to expose the community to art with events such as this one.”
For updates and to learn more about the featured artists visit www.artspacepopup.wordpress.com.