2nd Saturday Cry For Help

To me, the 2nd Saturday “Art Walk” or “Art Meander” or “Gallery Gallop” never quite feels right. I’m continuously wandering from gallery to gallery, not sure if I should leave 50 cents for the bad dixie cup of chardonnay I just swigged down, or cavalierly wolf down any food left on any table with free abandon. Also, I never quite know where to go. The sheer volume of galleries throughout the area that host 2nd Saturday events is a bit daunting. I feel as if I’m simultaneously overwhelmed and yet missing a whole lot.

As a trained Art Historian (Art History minor, ’98), I don’t feel uncomfortable with modern art, but invariably find myself instead drawn to the latest fashions in piercings and tattoos that fellow patrons are sporting. Call it sensory overload, or call it “not in the club.” Whatever it is, I’m definitely given the feeling that I’m on the outside looking in. This Saturday alone I almost stepped on a display of ceramics cleverly hidden in a sidewalk patch of grass. Then I managed to stumble into an “off the beaten path” gallery on 21st and N to find some interesting pieces, most of which depicted lounging females in a tropical setting and were probably destined for the walls of some suburban day-spa.

I really need some help here people. So if you could possibly throw me a bone and tell me what I’m supposed to get out of these monthly events, I’d truly appreciate it.

8 thoughts on “2nd Saturday Cry For Help”

  1. I’ve always gotten the most satisfaction when going specifically to see a friend’s work, such as Urban Art & Salvage (www.urbansalvage.com) or to see a specific local act perform (www.justinfarren.com) at one of the galleries. It takes some of the spontaneity out of the event, but you don’t have to dodge as many randoms in the process. Plus, that gives you more time to grub on some local fare at some of our non-chain treasures.

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  2. It’s like Burning Man. Sometimes you’re in the vibe – sometimes you’re not. I understand the frustration, it’s happened to me before as well. But can I say that out of the 12+ Second Saturdays I’ve been to I’ve only had one that clicked. My boyfriend and I went to the 20th Street drag and we compared our favorite pieces. His was a still-life oil painting at Susan Barnes Gallery, mine was a rotating (faux) cat on a platter at Fools Foundation. Now that’s how “art” happens – comparing and contrasting works with someone who sees a completely different view of the world. And it’s the only time it’s happened for me in the 5+ years in midtown.

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  5. You call yourself (somewhat) of a trained art historian and:

    1) you wonder why you’re not getting anything from the shows;
    2) bother going in the first place

    ?

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  7. OOOOOOOO! Snap! Don’t make me get all chiaroscuro on yo’ ass and break out some deconstruction on post-modern symbolic universalism with a side of bourgeois-hating.

    OK, honestly, maybe I get your point, that I should not be looking to get any kind of scholarly meaning out of the local art scene, but what I’m really missing during 2nd Saturdays is just plain stuff that I like, and maybe I’m being naive in asking others to tell me where to go to find things that I would like. Unless Lois Hart wants to tell me what to do…I’ll do anything that Lois wants. Whatever Lois wants….Lois gets.

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  8. So like Runner said, if you know someone who is showing, that makes it more fun and personal to go and see the show. I have been to a million shows here (townie for over 30 years) and an artist to boot, and have found a few places that more often than not show the kind of artworks I like to see. It takes a little research to find those places. What kind of work do you like? My husband has a gallery that always shows provocative work from around the country and local artists side by side. If you like looking at lowbrow culture, you might just like the Toyroom Gallery. ( see http://toyroomgallery.com ) 907Kst. Open the third friday and saturday of the month 7pm till late, closes on the second sat to pick up the mob that goes out then. Bringing a little life to the mall after dark. I always see something I like there! No snobs, great art, cheep wine and good music.

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