The Thursday Ramble: Community Arts

This week will be dominated by the local arts group. I was recruited or voluntold to co-chair the arts council for the condo for 2026. We change shows every 6 or 7 weeks. This is a change out week. Wednesday the prior show was removed. The painters and decorators who are on staff of the condo, will repair and repaint the walls, and on Friday morning we will hang the next show. 

Two weeks ago, I was worried. At that time, I only had about 25 pieces and I really need about 45 to fill the gallery spaces. 

We generally fill the shows by asking anyone who lives here to submit their work around a theme for the show. In this case the theme is New Works, and First Works. New Works are anything created in the last year, First Works can be your oldest piece, your first in a new media, or your first time showing here at the condo.  

The numbers slowly creeped up, and I extended the deadline a week. And then the floodgates opened, I went from about 40 pieces to over 60, with late entries coming in after the extended deadline. We have works from 24 artists, half a dozen of those being first timers (first time showing here.) My cup runneth over with great art. 

Friday morning, I need to sort out what goes where, how to get all of them on the walls, and then work with Kevin to get them all hung. It is the largest collection since I have been involved in the arts group, it may be the largest ever. 

Are they all great works of art? I think so. They are something that the person who created them, is willing to share with their neighbors. Would an art professor give them all top grades, heavens no. But this is not a class, it is not a professional gallery, it is not a juried show, it is not a show that an art critic will write about. 

It is a show that will brighten the walls of the community center for a few weeks. It will encourage our neighbors to be creative, and fearless, and willing to share.  And that is what this is all about. 

Saturday afternoon, we will gather in the Lounge in the community center, the bar opens 15 minutes before the program starts if people want to buy themselves a drink, and we will introduce all 24 artists, and invite them to speak for a minute or two about the work they are sharing with the community.  Based on past experience, most of them will speak, some with nerves, some with passion about their work, and about being an artist. I have the pleasure of hosting the opening reception, it is my show and I do enjoy it. 

I have two recent paintings, and a photograph from 49 years ago in the show.