LYNN — The Galleries at LynnArts (GALA) is hosting 10 artists throughout the summer for a series of weeklong pop-up exhibitions.
This series began at the end of June and will continue through Sept. 7.
The popups were created as a way to create some activity and excitement downtown, since GALA hasn’t been able to host its typical slate of gallery openings and other events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Popup subcommittee member Nicole Werth said these events are a way for the community to come together and have something to look forward to, as well as a way for artists to generate income.
After bouncing around ideas for ways to incorporate something to bring artists into GALA’s network, Werth said they saw the pop-up event structure as the best choice.
Through the popups, the artists pay a one-time fee of $125 to LynnArts to rent the space for a week, and can then use it however they want during that time.
“It’s their space to use, whether it’s a shop or workshop, and we’re just giving them what they need supply-wise, like tables and chairs,” Werth said.
The artists had to apply to be included in the pop-up series by sending a proposal depicting what they want to do with the space.
Although all of the artists chosen create some kind of visual art, Werth said the committee was not searching for just visual artists and were open to dancers, performers, musicians or whoever else wanted to use it.
“We weren’t sure if people would be excited about it or not, but we actually had a waitlist by the end of the first week,” Werth said. “This is something we are thinking of continuing on with in the future.”
Artists can schedule their hours whenever they want — with the request to mirror the times that LynnArts is open on Saturdays — and can choose to host openings and events for their work.
Werth said some of the selected professionals are full-time artists, so they need the time at GALA to sell their work, while others work different, full-time jobs in addition to creating their artwork, which means they cannot be at GALA all day.
“It’s a way for them to have a space and be able to do (art) without having to give up their life,” Werth said. “Everybody has sold work … and the artists have been pleasantly surprised about how well they’ve done, so it’s good to know that there is a market for that.”
Artist Lisa Hayden initiated this 10-week, pop-up event series when she took over GALA from June 29 to July 5. Lucinda McClain, also known as Ms Lu, followed her, hosting her work from July 6-12.
A group of students took over the GALA next — from July 13-19 — under the name of Salon de Corona. This week featured drawings and paintings from students of Juliet Lockwood, which were created during the pandemic.
Following Salon de Corona was Wendy Ekole, who wrapped up her popup this past Monday.
Occupying the GALA this week will be Denise Boucher with her “Pour Your Art Out” display, which will be available until Aug. 2. GALA will be showing “Pour Your Art” out this Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m.; Friday from noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., which will include live demonstrations of Boucher’s art; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., which will include an artist reception with refreshments.
After “Pour Your Art Out” will be Hervor Soaps from Aug. 3-9, and then Malika MacDonald will take over until Aug. 16. Week eight will feature Alina Zalucki from Aug. 17-23, followed by David Alexander from Aug. 24-30. The popups will finish on Sep. 7 with Sunil Gulab.
More information on the times of operation and the artist schedules can be found online at https://www.galleriesatlynnarts.org/events.
