Art by Chase Maclaskey at 5x7, the blue piece in center and the 2 to the left. Photo: Chase Maclaskey, 2010.
Last week, my post about the recent 5x7 exhibition and sale was basically a brief recap and review of the event, injected with a little bit of my personal opinion after having attended the Art Social on Friday, May 14th. This one shines a different light on the occasion, focusing on insiders’ insights, to share the spirit of a truly awesome show.
Here you’ll find photos and commentary from two very different female artists that participated in Arthouse’s 11th annual (and 1st-ever offsite) fundraiser, both of whom were gracious and kind enough to lend their contributions and opinions regarding Five x Seven.
Austin-based artist, graphic designer, photographer, writer and screen-printer, Chase Maclaskey, attended the 5x7 Art Social with date Mike Harmeier of Mike and the Moonpies. She has a great collection of work on her website, which includes examples of her versatility and skill in a variety of formats. Chase has done some super cool gig posters and photo shoots for local musicians.
Art lovers were wined and dined amidst the art. Photo: M Kuntzsch.
In her blog, Chase writes, “Mike managed to obtain some not-on-the-menu fancy pilsners from the complimentary beer bar and I worked up a nice buzz while we searched the endless walls for my paintings to snag a photo.” And she did just that (see above), although she wishes she’d have managed to take more photos during the event than she did. “…A few hipsters walked right up to one of my pieces and awkwardly (and illegally) flipped the piece over to see who painted it! Haha. For those unaware, the idea of the show is that no one’s names are displayed on the art – only after you make the purchase do they reveal the artist’s name.”
I asked Chase about her experience as a participating artist in this year’s fundraiser, and here’s what she had to say: “The show itself was a great experience, although it was incredibly hot on an already blistering Austin night, it was such a good feeling to be crowded in there with people celebrating the local art experience. The energy in the room was electric, the beers were cold, and the art was dazzling. I can't wait for next year's event!” I couldn’t agree more.
Someone's amusing (artistic?) way to dispose of their cups. Photo: Kuntzsch.
Many of the photos featured here were shared courtesy of artist Meredith Kuntzsch, who was also a participant in the 5x7 exhibit.
Meredith is active in the Austin arts scene, but also shows her work in festivals all over the place, living and working in Texas, Florida and Michigan. She posted a great blog post documenting her experience at the Social, including more event photos of party-goers and collectors enjoying the exhibition, an awesome art piece including audio and video components, and a great shot of Maria Maria’s Executive Chef, Dustin Harvey (which accompanies her flattering review of the event's catering).
Meredith's booth at Art City Austin was stunning, covered in elegantly framed pastel pieces depicting nature with vibrant colors and lots of blue skies with super realistic clouds, which reflected the style for which she is currently most recognized. But, as Chase reminds us in her quote above, art on display at the 5x7 show were displayed with the artists’ names kept secret until the pieces were purchased. Meredith explains, “Because the work that's submitted by each artist is anonymous, it was an opportunity for me to play around with a new medium. Of course I do have one signature pastel piece in the show, but three others are mixed media and collage.”
Creating those experimental pieces fanned the flames of inspiration in Meredith, which means more exciting new art. “The 5x7 show came up right at the end of my Winter and Spring run of shows. In my studio now I'm working with several new ideas that spring boarded from the fun I had creating the 5x7 pieces which were essentially "sketches" of bigger ideas that have yet to come to fruition,” she said. Meanwhile, the artist is working on pastel commissions while she prepares for an upcoming showing of pastels at the Krasl Museum show in Michigan in July.
Will she be back for more? “This was the 11th anniversary of the 5x7 show, and I was proud to be a part of it. I encourage you to check out their website and learn more about this interesting take on a fundraiser. I'll definitely be there next year, too.”
It seems to be unanimous: Arthouse (although this year not at the Jones Center) sure knows how to throw one heck of a party! For pictures and updates on the progress of the renovations taking place, visit the gallery’s blog.
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