The Lab, an art gallery, retail space and studio, showcased a piece of art from each featured artist at the space Saturday to celebrate their one-year anniversary.
The birthday of the arts space near Roosevelt and Sixth streets was celebrated with live music by DJ Matthias James, food, drinks, a raffle and free t-shirts.
Monica Robles, a local Phoenix artist and gallery co-owner, said the anniversary event was to gather the gallery’s supporters and thank the city of Phoenix for supporting the gallery in its first year.
The celebration was relaxed and filled with people who all seemed to know one another. Two local artists participated in a live painting while the shirts for the guests were printed inside.
The Lab doubles as an open art space with a retail area, studio space and shop for metal work and t-shirt printing.
“We have all in-house manufacturing,” Ruben Gonzales, local artist and co-owner said.
Co-owner and local artist David Bjorn said the Tony Richey show was one of the highlights. Richey was a local artist scheduled to have his first show at The Lab but was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2011. The Lab had a show with his work after his death as a tribute that family and friends attended.
Bjorn said another highlight was the remodel of the space to make it more open.
“I don’t want to say we are successful,” Bjorn said. He said they have not met all of their goals but they met one big goal by simply opening their doors.
Bjorn said it’s been a struggle but he, Robles and Gonzales enjoy having a space they can call their studio.
Jose Reyes, a local artist who uses The Lab’s studio space says it has been a home for him.
“I am really excited to see something local last this long,” Reyes said.
Bjorn said one of The Lab’s goals is to have 25 “lab rats” — artists who use the studio regularly — by the end of 2012. Gonzales said he is hoping an expansion is in The Lab’s future, as well.
“Everyone is excited for years two, three and four,” said Jorge Mejia, an intern at The Lab.
Gonzales said one of the most important things to The Lab is its involvement in the community.
“It is really exciting to know people like us. It goes beyond the product. People want to support the people behind them,” Gonzales said.
Contact the reporter at sophia.mayberry@asu.edu
