Andy Milford and Derek Price had such a good time running the 24-hour “pop-up” gallery at a storefront adjacent to Keegan Ales on Saint James Street in Kingston during the First Saturday Gallery Walk last month that they’re doing it again. This time, the pop-up – a fad that has taken hold in big cities, in which temporary art exhibits help spruce up empty storefronts and jump-start gentrification of a down-at-the-heels neighborhood – will be briefer, scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m. on April 7.
Four artists are participating, most notably tattoo and guerrilla artist Geddes Paulsen, who will be tattooing a client during the event. Paulsen is also installing a large, eye-catching artwork on paper on the exterior of the building. Other participating artists are Jean Haines, known for her fanciful horses (she’ll be showing watercolors), and newcomers Philip Hardy and Jean Marie Macaluso, who will show paintings and drawings.
Price noted that the March show was attended by over 150 people, including mayor Shayne Gallo. “There was tremendous enthusiasm and support for the pop-up gallery concept, with significant interest from property-owners in Kingston,” he said. In fact, the show achieved one of its goals: attracting a lessee to the storefront space, which is owned by brewer Tommy Keegan.
Price said that he and Milford are targeting empty storefronts in Uptown and Midtown Kingston and hope to continue the Thou Art shows in itinerant spaces. “The goal will be to continue to do this and find more spaces,” he said. If you have an empty space, or are an artist seeking to show your work on the streets of Kingston, e-mail info@thouartgallery.org.
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