INTIMATE ART
OUT
The Olive gets personal about local art.
Rebecca Lafferty, Hellsville senior, uses art galleries as a way to get to know her friends better. She goes to the Olive Gallery and Art Supply, 15 E. Eighth St., because of its small, intimate setting, she says.
Lafferty and a friend check out the art at their own pace, and then get together at the end to discuss what they liked about the artist's style and which pieces they enjoyed.
"I bring a friend that isn't as into art as I am, but still appreciates it," she says. "I always have my
AFFORDABLE ART
own opinions and reaction, but I'm interested in my friend's reaction."
Although the public is welcome to view the art free of charge, the gallery is a business that generates revenue from selling art. "A lot of people don't understand that art is something to buy and put in their home. It is always thought of as something priceless in a museum." Alen says, "it is actually affordable."
Lafferty suggests the Olive for someone who's never been to a gallery before and wants to give art a shot.
The Olive stands apart from other art galleries because of its cozy setting and unconventional artwork.For local artists, the Olive serves as a venue to showcase
"A lot of my friends would never think to go to a gallery for fun, but when I take them, they always seem to enjoy it," she says.
PHOTO/VANESSA PEARSON
The consignment wall features two-dimensional artwork that ranges in price from about $20 to $750. Every piece in the monthly display is also for sale, for about $50 to $300.
For more information about the Olive visit www.myspace. com/olivegallery
artwork that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. The gallery also gives the public access to the art scene with opening receptions each month, sponsored events and a free gallery open from 12 to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
Olive with Janie Hammerschmidt, Lawrence resident. They keep the Olive's atmosphere
Jon Alen,
2002 graduate,
co-manages the ONLY THE FOCUS IS ON ART.
and handmade jewelry, and wall space is filled with about 50-60 consignment pieces. The remaining space on the other side of the room is reserved for the monthly galleries and the Kid's Corner.
friendly and inviting so people aren't intimidated to stop by and view the art.
NOT MUSIC."
JON ALEN,
OLIVE CO-MANAGER
"People think of art as in a museum — a cold, clinical place with white walls, and you can't touch anything," Alen says.
Lime green walls and alternative music jamming from a boom box give the Olive a laid-back vibe absent from other galleries. Both a gallery and a supply store are nestled into a single room. One side is used for selling art supplies
The Olive displays art that is
masks art that is edgy, but not so edgy that it is allenating. Alen says. The Olive carries a variety of art, some pieces are light and playful, others
complex and challenging.People can laugh at a lot of the art, not just study and brood over, but actually enjoy.
"We just take art that we believe in. That we believe in personally, and believe that our clientele will appreciate." Alen says.
Once a month the gallery stays open late to host an artist's opening and introduce their new display.
"it's like a rock show, only the focus is on art, not music," Alen says.
The openings are basically a
part party to the public. There's no cost, and anyone can come in and meet the artist and socialize. The gallery tries to set up a musical act, and the artist usually provides food and drinks. Some artists bring in a caterer and serve wine. For the artist on a budget, the Olive Gallery provides a bathtub for canned beer and ice.
The purpose of the gallery is not only to sell and showcase art, but also provide a service to the community, Chelsea Rae, Olive employee, says. The Olive was the only art gallery that sponsored the Red Balloon To Do this year, a local grassroots event that showcased new artwork by dozens of artists.
The Olive also holds silent auctions, has film screenings, and gives other groups access to their facility to hold events. The events don't really increase revenue, Rae says. The Olive does it to generate interest in the art scene, she says, and because it's good for the community.
PHOTO/ANESSA PEARSON
The Olive Gallery and Art Supply, 15 E. Eighth St., is open from 12 to 6 p.m., every day.
GALLERIES
This month's gallery features Justin Marable,"Golden Maps, Roadside Treasure: An Installation of New Prints." His pieces are stylized photos of dilapidated structures and the surrounding landscape from small towns in Kansas.
11. 09.2006 JAYPLAY <15
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