B. West Studio at 148 Elmwood Avenue has presented many exhibits to raise funds for different programs like the Crisis Advocate Program (Oct. 2006), the Crisis Services Rape Program (Apr. 2007), and the Crisis Services Homeless Outreach (Oct. 2007). Most recently in March of 2008, Autistic Services, Inc. rented out the gallery to put on an exhibit created by their students in their arts program. Now, with the Allentown Arts Festival on the horizon, the gallery is opening its doors to allow area artists to use the gallery space during the festival.
Laurie Tanner, director of the B. West Studio, says, “We’re trying to keep it kind of organized on a submission basis. We’re trying to attract more diverse artists. It’s kind of an alternative. It’s so close to the festival.”
Artists would pay a $25 fee to display their artwork in the space. The gallery will collect no commission from the works sold, and they are requesting that artists display a minimum of 2 works and a maximum of 5. They would not like too many large pieces as to give as much room as possible to the gallery for other artists and guests. Also, if a piece is sold, they hope the artists will be able to replace it.
The gallery is also hoping to do what they did last year and get musicians to play in the gallery. Though they cannot provide compensation for musicians, last year they had a DJ one night and live music the following night for the gallery. Musicians may split funds from the refreshments the gallery will provide though, and it will help get their names out to a larger audience. The refreshments will have a $2 suggested donation that will help support the musicians and food costs the gallery will incur.
The opening reception will be on Friday, June 13 from 6-11PM. The gallery hopes the artists will bring a bottle of wine or other contribution for the opening reception. The show will run until June 29, so the artists will need signage to allow guests to know whose work they are looking at. If you would like to display your work at B. West Studio during the festival, the confirmation deadline is May 23rd. The gallery requests that if you haven’t done a show there, to submit an image of some of your artwork to Tanner. You can also send an e-mail to Tanner for more information about the exhibit or about B. West Studio. Tanner also runs a website for B. West Studio and her personal work. You can view that here.
Some interior shots of B. West Studio:
