raw materials

Almost all of the pieces from our FIRST | LAST show came down today, and we’re moving on to the next phase: building out the store. We’re meeting with contractors this week to look at removing the drop ceiling in the front of the store and build a wall to create an office and storage in the back, and we have been meeting with different distributors to figure out the best sources for the best art materials.

I’m also putting together plans for our point-of-sale system, we’re researching the costs to have a killer sign made, and we need to nail down the store layout and start getting some shelving and other casework put in.

There’s a lot to do if we are going to be ready for our opening in August!

When a production approached us to film in our space, we tried to be accommodating and worked with them to find a way they could get some of the shots they needed, but not interfere with our ongoing exhibition. At the last minute, the production backed out of using the interior of our space because of problems in securing permission from our neighbors.

But they did actually use our building, particularly the residential entrance that is immediately adjacent to our space, and they also ended up paying us to keep our rolling door up while they got some of the shots they needed.

The production is apparently being run by a producer more used to low-budget fare, and they caused chaos throughout the block as they tried to do this all on the cheap, and probably ended up spending more money than if they had just kept it all on the level.

In the end, it probably wasn’t worth it for us. But it was a good feeling to have even a little money come in the door — that will help offset some of our startup costs.

After a bit of a soft opening today, punctuated by continuing cleanup and painting touch-ups, we’re almost set for our show openings on Saturday.

If you have walked by our store space on Main Street, you’ve probably seen the two amazing window installations by C. Finley and Brian W. Evans. You need to stop in and see the rest of the show. We love it all, of course, but one of the pieces that has been getting the strongest reactions is McLean Fahnestock’s sculpture in the back room. So don’t miss it!

And if you have been by Sixth and Main, you’ve probably seen the Moon inside the PE Lofts. We’ve certainly seen people craning their necks to see it when they drive by. I’d tell you about the other pieces you shouldn’t miss there, but I’ve been ensconced in the store and haven’t had the chance to see much of the show myself.

I did help hang the pieces in A Deeper Shade at 6th and Los Angeles, and I can’t recommend it enough. James does such amazing work that I feel a little guilty that we’re taking up some of his time with the store and gallery.

Celia, James and I are all pretty fried — it has taken some long nights and early mornings to get all of these shows together, and we still have work to do. But we couldn’t be happier with the reaction to the shows so far.