Columbus art dealers collaborate at On Display '10 for a distinctive show at the Schumacher Gallery
By Amy Davis
Galleries generally function in competition with one another. Let’s face it; they’re all gunning for the same patrons and audiences. But, on November 1, a selection of the most prominent galleries in Columbus will join together at Capital University’s Schumacher Gallery for a collaborative event called
On Display.
The brainchild of artist Michael McEwan (Cityscene’s artistic consultant and contributor of The Painter’s Eye) and Schumacher Gallery Director Cassandra Tellier,
On Display will invite five galleries to feature some of their most representative work for art fans, collectors and students alike. This eclectic collaboration, featuring a range of works spanning a diverse range of mediums and subject matter, is one of the only events of its kind in the Midwest.
Bexley’s Art Access Gallery, Bryan H. Roberts Galleries and Hammond Harkins Galleries,as well as the Short North’s Rebecca Ibel Gallery and German Village’s Keny Galleries all will be showcased together. This will be the second incarnation of the event, which was first billed as
Dealer’s Choice in 2007.
Aminah Robinson, represented by Art Access Galleries, will be featured
On Display affords art fans the opportunity to peruse multiple galleries in a single venue. “It’s like going to gallery hop all in one spot,” explains Barb Unverferth of Art Access Gallery. Tim Keny of Keny Galleries agrees. “It gives people the opportunity to see a variety of work, contemporary and historic, mostly from this region, all in one space,” Keny says. This enthusiasm is shared by each of the galleries involved, and seems to only be growing with the event’s repetition.
“The first time we did it, we had to do a little bit more persuasion. But when [the galleries] finally saw it coming together, they realized what a good idea it was. They pull together to draw attention to their galleries. Yes, they’re in competition, but they have different viewpoints and different voices that fit together,” explains McEwan. The event’s appeal is multifaceted. For visitors, it allows an easy, low-pressure introduction to the gallery world.
“Some people feel overwhelmed by the whole gallery experience. They wonder, ‘Can I just go in and look?’ It can be intimidating,” McEwan says.
On Display eliminates this fear, allowing the casual viewer the chance to realize how approachable gallery-going can be. “I want people to get the sense that it’s a lot of fun. It’s a chance to learn about art, learn about collecting or even start collecting,” McEwan explains.
Bryan Roberts of Bryan H. Roberts Galleries also highlights the event’s social aspect. “It’s a great chance for a first time art buyer or for someone new to the art scene, just to see all that Columbus has to offer … and it’s a great social chance as well to meet likeminded people with similar interests.”
McEwan explains that the event is also an opportunity for students, particularly art students at Capital University, where he acts as Artist-in-Residence. “It’s a good chance for artists to see where they fit in. It’s nice for art students to see the business and where their art can fit,” he says.
On Display also enables gallery owners to gather and explore. “If nothing else, it’s good for some of the gallery owners who are not in contact with the others to mingle and talk. It allows people to connect.” Roberts says.
Canal Scene, Venice - Fred Doloresco - Bryan Roberts Galleries
The galleries, too, look forward to seeing the work they represent in a museum setting. “We’re really excited about the show because the Schumacher installs things so beautifully. Cassandra [Tellier] runs a wonderful museum,” Marlena Keynes of Hammond Harkins Galleries notes. Tellier, on the other hand, appreciates the varied works that each gallery brings to the event.
Yan Sun's Harbor Sunset (Bryan Roberts Gallery) may appear on the walls of the Schumacher Gallery
“We choose works that are reflective of that particular gallery’s approach. This is just a sampling of the widely varied approaches we have in Columbus,” Tellier explains. “People think of going to galleries and they think they’re all the same, but of course that’s not true. They all have their own niche.” These niches include contemporary, historic, folk and local art. Bryan H. Roberts Galleries will be showing work from the 19th century, as well as mid-century modern works and work by living artists. The show overlaps with Roberts’ new venture, the opening of Brant Roberts Galleries in the Short North, which will have a more mid-century modern flair.
Hammond Harkins Galleries will highlight some of their contemporary Ohio artists, including work by Aminah Robinson, new landscapes by Paul Hamilton, encaustic paintings by Dennison Griffith and wooden sculptures by James Mason.
Though Keny Galleries represents a wide range of art and artists, they are narrowing their focus for
On Display. “For this event, we generally focus on
historic Ohio artists and historic folk artists. Folk art is really part of the history of Ohio art. There are so many great folk and self-taught artists in Ohio’s history,” Keny explains. Keny Galleries will be showing the work of Robert Blum, Charles Burchfield, Edna Boies Hopkins, Alice Schille and Elijah Pierce. “We show work that is of a national caliber that is formally strong, technically strong and distinctive,” Keny adds.
Rebecca Ibel Gallery, one of the youngest galleries taking part in
On Display, will be showing a group of contemporary art including a group of young Los Angeles artists, mid-career New York artists, as well as several local painters.
“They’re all different, but what connects them is that they’re visually appealing with a smart aesthetic. These are international artists, and all have works in museum collections,” Rebecca Ibel explains. Artists being highlighted include Michael Reafsnyder, Melissa Meyer, Rob Wynne, Billy Sullivan,
Laura Sanders and Linda Gall.
Untitled - Almond Zigmund - Rebecca Ibel Gallery
Art Access Galleries will be showing work with what gallery co-director Gail Burkhart describes as “a new, fresh, contemporary, updated look.” Work will vary from encaustic paintings to concrete sculptures. Featured artists will include Ellen Bazzoli, Shane Snider, Mary Postel-Long and Bexley resident Marti Steffy.
The only complaint the involved parties seem to have is that the event cannot be larger. “There are a lot of great galleries around here. If we had a bigger space we’d choose more,” said Tellier. A bigger space is exactly what McEwan has in mind of the future, not just to include other galleries from
Columbus, but other cities too. “I’d love to see it turn into a Midwestern art fair, because we’re so centrally located,” McEwan says.
An opening reception for
On Display will be held on November 12, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Capital University’s Schumacher Gallery, located at 2199 E. Main St., in Bexley. A Bexley art hop will coincide with the event. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 4.
Amy Davis is a contributing writer for CityScene Magazine.