COLUMN: Oh, to Be a Fly on the Wall...
have you been keeping up with ArtFly?
Patricia Hawkenson, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
I stumbled upon another ArtFly installation and was intrigued by the approach they have in bringing unique art to the public in often surprising ways. ArtFly curator Kelsey Wenberg told me more.
On the history of ArtFly, Kelsey shared, “I was at UW-Madison, and I had to come up with an art business proposal, but it wasn’t until I moved to Eau Claire that ArtFly became a reality."
"In 2017, we held a pop-up art exhibition in my garage that turned into a gallery with white walls and lighting. It was an unexpected display of art by nine local artists. We created several more pop-up exhibitions with virtual displays during COVID," she said.
Since then, ArtFly has started publishing its own zine: a small-circulation, self-published mini magazine. Thanks to local sponsors, the cost of 500 limited copies of the ArtFly zine are printed (by Johnson Litho Graphics) and shared in the area.
This year's zine was sponsored by El Camino Skate Shop (310 Water St., Eau Claire), The Beyond (218 N Dewey St., Eau Claire), and Brent Douglas Flowers (610 S Barstow St., Eau Claire); it was distributed at Racy D'Lene's (addess) and Decadent Gifts & Gallery (329 Water St., Eau Claire).
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COLLABORATING WITH THE COMMUNITY, WE MAKE COOL ARTSY THINGS HAPPEN.
Our network of emerging artists displays their work and adds to their portfolios to apply for bigger and better things.
KELSEY WENBERG
ARTFLY FOUNDER
Right now, an open call is up online (artflygallery.com) and Instagram (@artflygallery) for artists to submit up to three artworks. Zines and shows can results in sales for artists; Artfly never takes a commission – artists get 100% of sales.
"We curate fun exhibits at The Menominie Market Co-op and Racy D’Lenes Coffee Lounge," Kelsey said. "El Camino provided free used and broken skateboard decks to create artwork for the Art on Deck show. It's up at Racy D’lene’s through September."
"I'm excited to announce the installation of our ArtFly Box, a tiny gallery at 704 Bolles Street! Changing every four months, it will be lit up at night and accessible from nearby walking paths. It's not a take-one-leave-one box, but a small, locked gallery for viewing only," Kelsey said. "The artists’ information is displayed, so you’ll know name, title, medium, price, and if it’s for sale."
A QR code on the ArtFly Box shares further information about the project and organization.
"Collaborating with the community, we make cool artsy things happen. Our network of emerging artists displays their work and adds to their portfolios to apply for bigger and better things," Kelsey said. "ArtFly is not a brick-and-mortar location but accepts donations for projects. Right now, that's the zine, the Art on Deck show, and the ArtFly Box.
"A themed pop-up show, “Insectopia,” will be shared at The Beyond in September with an open call to participate on Instagram.”
Adam Stiglich, artist and co-owner of The Beyond, shared “ArtFly is awesome at giving unknown artists a chance to show their work in cool, untraditional spaces.” The Beyond, too, is just that: a lively mix of movies, books, and a treasure trove of art oddities and handmade items creating a unique destination location.
Kelsey added, “I'm grateful for the support ArtFly has received, and I want to continue showcasing cool artwork from people in our community. We're going to keep doing that.” You can keep up with ArtFly on Instagram.
“Behind the Easel” is a periodic column by Patricia Hawkenson, a visual artist and one of the proprietors of Decadent Gifts & Gallery in Eau Claire.
