The Grand ArtHaus, a new art cooperative and working studio on Grand Avenue, will hold a soft opening during Art Detour to introduce the space and share its vision with the community.
Located at the artist live-work space Oasis on Grand, the Grand ArtHaus is the vision of artists Robert Gentile and Michael Viglietta and {9} the Gallery owner Laura Dragon. The trio plans to open the space as a collaborative studio with a rotating collective of artists that’s designed to help young emerging artists. In addition to being both a studio and exhibit space, it will have options for residential living.
The Art Detour exhibition will combine exhibited art of multiple mediums with live painting from a variety of artists, including muralist Lauren Lee, fine artist Jon Wassom and tattoo artist Tariq Sabur. Gentile and Viglietta will also feature work at the exhibit and participate in the live painting.
“It’s all different styles, so it’s a great opportunity to see all types of artists in a group setting,” Viglietta said. “We put together a smaller version of what it will be like when we’re all moved in.”
Sabur, who will be one of the live painters, is typical of the artistic diversity. While primarily a tattoo artist, Sabur paints, and was previously a performance artist. The latter experience informs his style as a live painter.
“I tend to be a really kinetic painter,” said Sabur, who will be one of the principal partners for the space going forward. “I work with a lot of gesture and movement. I try to engage with the crowd.”
This preview weekend acts as a way to get the word out about the space and collective, and as a fundraiser for the work that remains, such as installing moveable walls and workbenches, Gentile said.
“I’m trying to stay grounded and stay focused on what needs to be done,” Gentile said. “There’s a lot of interest in the space and a lot of people waiting for this to open, so the pressure is on but at the same time I don’t feel the pressure because it’s starting from the ground up.”
The Grand ArtHaus continues the tradition of art in the Oasis on Grand Avenue. Owners Laurie and Tom Carmody made the old motel complex into an artist live-work space in 2011.
Dragon said the Carmodys approached her in January asking if she, or anyone else she knew, would be interested in taking over a 3,000-square-foot community space within the Oasis. Viglietta and Gentile were both looking for studio space.
Together Dragon, Gentile and Viglietta came together with the idea to turn the space into the collaborative studio with the owners’ help.
Beyond providing the exposure and a space to work, Dragon said she wants the artists to learn the business behind being a professional artist. While the specifics are still up in the air, she said the current vision includes each member in the collective paying monthly dues and having certain responsibilities, such as marketing, hanging shows and working First Friday events. Each artist will do a solo show and two group shows.
The plan is to not have any one artist as part of the collective long-term, with artists most likely being a member for less than a year. Artists would have to apply and show a portfolio to be reviewed by a board. The collective is expected to include 15 to 20 artists on a rotating basis.
“Artists are their own brand, and to build that and build following and recognition is important, especially for someone early in their career,” Dragon said. “It can be very difficult to get yourself in the public eye and meet collectors and reporters.”
The collaborative element can help develop that brand, Viglietta said.
“It’s a great place to be and a great place to paint,” he said. “Having other people around is great because that’s where you pick up skills… Having people around will improve everyone.”
They hope to be at full capacity and fully functional by April 1. Once open, the studio will be a live, working studio with First and Third Friday showings. In the fall, the ArtHaus hopes to be open to the public every weekend.
“Two-and-a-half months ago it was an idea,” Dragon said. “Now it’s a reality.”
Contact the reporter at Kara.Carlson@asu.edu.
