Spring (exhibits) will be a little late this year

Thanks to COVID-19, my upcoming solo show is down but not out. Good news: “Never the Same Book Twice” will be open for two months instead of one! My show will be up during April and May.

And here’s the bad news: Social distancing has forced Gallery One to reschedule the opening reception, from April 3rd to May 1st. Same for “Between the Fold,” the book arts show running in concert with my show. HOWEVER…!

Photo credit: Gallery One

When the doors reopen, we’re going to award $800 in prizes to “Between the Fold” artists. So… delayed, yeah — but on the upside, NOT CANCELED outright like the gallery’s weekend workshops. Adjust your calendars accordingly. In the meantime, here’s something you can do right now to support Gallery One: please consider becoming a gallery member or making a donation. Spaces like this one are vital to artists like me who make unconventional, sometimes challenging work.

How to survive the current plague

Bravo to those who braved coronavirus exposure to attend the opening of “20/20 Vision” art exhibit! I was surprised (and relieved) to see collectors and artists crowding into the gallery for First Thursday.

But I’m also a little concerned about the people I didn’t see at the art walk. So here are my totally unscientific, Top Two Tips for surviving the current plague, whether you’re making or appreciating the art.

First: Artists can’t live in ghost towns.

Artist Susan Derrick gets a better look at “They Don’t Really Feel Pain” by Lisa Myers Bulmash

As you see above, art galleries are still open, and so are many artist studios. They rely on foot traffic, to some degree. If you’re still feeling pretty healthy (no flu-like symptoms, not coughing or sneezing into your elbow), go out. Go to the next art walk or performance, whether you’re in a spending mood or just showing up to support a friend.

Second: Fill your cart from home.

Maggie Jiang’s paintings at Koplin del Rio Gallery, Pioneer Square

The lovely thing about collecting art online is that there’s no risk of COVID-19 infection. It’s just you and the germs you’re already carrying. (Psst: wash your hands, kids.) Try browsing your favorite gallery or artist website and see if there’s an artwork you just can’t live without. Email/ direct message/ text the artist or gallery and arrange to pick up the work when you’re feeling better.

And in case I forgot to say it earlier: WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER. The longer you stay healthy, the more art events you can attend.

The "One" reason to visit Ellensburg in April

What’s worth the drive over the hill and through the woods to Ellensburg? I’ll give you a hint…

Gallery One is hosting my upcoming solo art exhibit! “Never the Same Book Twice” will open on April 3rd, in tandem with the group book arts show, “Between the Fold.” Altered books also take precedence in my exhibit — both new and existing work — debuting in the mezzanine gallery.

Seems like everyone has visited Ellensburg except me… so I’ll need a few friends to show me around. Any suggestions of restaurants that would welcome a rampaging pack of art nerds? Let me know here, on Facebook or on Instagram!