Art galleries say congratulations, farewell; contemplate "home"

This Friday, August 1, vendors, musicians, food trucks and entertainers will flock to South Division for a festive, spirited evening of music and handmade goods. Following a successful turnout in June, The Market on First Fridays returns with even more entertainment, food and fun. Amid the energy on the streets and sidewalks, galleries and live/work spaces on South Division are hosting exhibitions that make the indoor spaces as intriguing as the outdoor activity. 

One of these spaces is Have Company. The Market on First Fridays marks the one year anniversary of Marlee Grace’s store. To celebrate, Have Company is hosting a pop up shop in front of her storefront on South Division.

“The first version of Have Company was in a camper, so I love connecting with other folks who run mobile shops in refurbished campers," says Grace.

The camper, called Small Room Collective, has a similar vibe and aesthetic of Have Company.

“I feel really lucky to be able to host them during The Market," says Grace. 

In addition to celebrating the first year of Have Company, August 1 gives us the chance to say goodbye to Gaspard Gallery. After two years of exhibitions the final show is entitled "Free," which displays a variety of diverse artworks by founders Chris Cox, Jacob Bullard, Jeff Kraus and Ben Biondo. "Free" marks the end of Gaspard’s exhibition catalog and represents the artists' final statement both aesthetically and conceptually, at their space at 235 S Division Avenue. Fortunately, after the gallery officially closes in September, Gaspard will continue to function as a creative identity and publishing house for any potential projects and endeavors that the group aspires to accomplish. The spirit of Gaspard Gallery will continue to be an important presence on South Division while providing new opportunities and possibilities. 

"Migration" is an exhibition that will take place at the 106 Calvin Gallery. This show is made up of graphite and chalk pastel drawings about finding and losing a home. The artist Taylor Greenfield wrote in her artist statement,“Home can be found, constructed, restored, or destroyed. Home is a constant for some, lost for others, and countless manifestations in between.” 

"Migration" is the perfect compliment to the exhibition "Thoughts of Home: Each Other’s Stories," which is taking place at Craft House gallery on the same night. Both shows offer unique perspectives on the complex meanings that home has to different individuals. Craft House’s co-op members are called to investigate and express other members’ views of what home means to them. 

Along with all of these thoughtful and intriguing gallery exhibitions, The Market on First Fridays will offer a wide range of new food vendors. Ferris Coffee and Nut truck will provide delicious coffee, The Organic Gypsy is a great opportunity to indulge in a meal with fresh and healthy ingredients, and A Moveable Feast Truck always provides an excellent culinary experience. With these great food options and even more, there is something to accommodate everyone's taste. 

For more information on vendors, gallery shows, food, and entertainment visit the website. Follow Avenue for the Arts on Facebook and Twitter for news, updates, and special events. 

The Avenue for the Arts is a neighborhood title for the South Division commercial corridor. We are residential, commercial and nonprofit groups working together in a creative community. We are residents in Heartside, and active participants in shaping change in our neighborhood. In 2005, we choose the Avenue for the Arts as a title to represent our commercial corridor and the projects and events that we create. Because the Avenue is powered by volunteers, guest writers create our Rapidian content. Special thanks to Leah Burke and Emily Veldman, Avenue members and writers, for their coverage of "The Market on First Fridays."