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Ten questions with 32nd and Urban Gallery
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32nd&urban: gallery/space
Interview with Gallery Director and Proprietor Lauren M. Pacheco
Gallery Curator: Peter Kepha
3201 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60608
How long have you guys been around for?
LP: We acquired the space in October 2006. With a marketing budget of ZERO bucks, we had an introductory weekend of events in December 2006 featuring live art by artists Revise cmw, Joey Potts, Jose Garibaldi and Joey D., a roster of deejay’s and plenty of liquids. Very quickly we were able to generate some exposure. Thanks to my curator, Peter Kepha, we were able to secure our official first gallery exhibition with muralist Juan Angel Chavez in January 2007. We had over 350 people visit during opening night. Juan’s exhibit ‘Hilo’ really helped to give us some instant credibility and presence in Chicago’s art community. We are going on two years; still a very young gallery.
What kind of art do you feature?
LP: Urban Contemporary Art and Street Culture. What does that mean exactly? Urban features the multi-faceted nature of urban art that leans towards illustration, graffiti culture, pop art, and design. We actively seek out exhibitions that are experimental, innovative and challenging. Some folks would refer to us as a lowbrow art movement gallery. Throw in pop surrealism, fine art, tattooing, comic books, printmaking, photography, muralism, communal art, etc. Whatever the descriptor, we showcase art that is great and affordable. This is key to our gallery vision.
Why did you choose Bridgeport to have a gallery?
LP: My curator, Peter Kepha and I are both from the south west side of Chicago- the Brighton Park community. We knew that opening a gallery on the south side would be challenge for a few different reasons but were really committed to making it work because we didn’t want to open another gallery on the north side. First, we needed to find a neighborhood where we could either contribute to an emerging art community or start one. Secondly, it was important to us that when we stepped into Bridgeport that our neighbors would see our gallery concept as a positive contribution in a changing neighborhood. Most of all, we thought it’d be great to bring people onto the south side for an art show. There are some people who are hesitant to venture into south side communities. I recognize that Bridgeport has a great history of pain. The reality is that this community is going through revitalization. This transformation involves a vibrant arts movement. When I happened upon the space one day, I looked through the windows and knew that this was the perfect spot. It had a vintage flair that would set us apart physically from other spaces; but was very Bridgeport in architecture. The space itself has significant history. It once was a barbershop-Blackies, a candy store, and clothing store. I had a chance to talk with Mayor Daley about the gallery and he knew exactly where it was. He is still very familiar with his childhood neighborhood.
Why should people go to your openings?
LP: Aside from the unique geographical location, our environment isn’t filled with the pretention. We are pretty laid back and want folks to enjoy their evening, make some purchases, support the artists, meet new people and say good things about the space and the work. We try really hard to give everyone an experience while trying to transform the space every six or seven weeks.
What sets you guys apart from other Chicago galleries?
LP: Let’s see. We don’t buy our artists. The artist selection process is taken very seriously. Again, its’ all about the experience. The experience stretches beyond the walls. It’s the community, the people, and the vision. Just come out whether you are an avid art collector or new to collecting. It’s a guarantee that you will find something you like. Besides that, I think that our space is truly unique in set-up and layout. It’s not the traditional gallery.
What have been some of your favorite exhibits so far?
LP: This is a tough question. Actually, every show has really impressed me. Whether it was a group or solo show; each art maker presented work that I would display in my own home. I think it’s always inspiring to work with artists who are producing their first solo show in their career. The exhaustion, dollars, and commitment really exhibit their intense execution and passion to their craft.
Why is it important to feature local artists?
LP: Chicago is a great city. Our urban landscapes provide creative opportunities for art makers to translate everyday observations and experiences. The artistic talent pool here is pretty awesome in style and methods. I think it’s hugely critical for galleries to support local artists in their calendar planning. At the same time, creating synergies between local, out of state, emerging and established artists only contributes to the art community here in Chicago.
How many cases of beer do you guys go through on your opening nights?
LP: Funny. Well, we offer, beer, wine and water. On average, about eight 30-packs. I have a goofy formula that I use for each opening. We definitely don’t promote drinking while driving or bike riding, but having a few glasses of wine while socializing is part of the gallery scene, so why not indulge just a bit!
What do you want people to feel after attending your gallery?
LP: First and foremost, I want people to be blown away by the artist’s talent. The gallery itself serves only as a background. It’s all about messaging. Encouraging folks to reflect upon something personal, something real, something tangible or intangible. For instance, our current exhibition-FRAMED- features the most photography we’ve ever had before. Jon Lowenstein’s work captured a slain lawyer’s assistant in Guatemala City while REBRUM Studios work by Matt Teuter presented a series of black and white photos of Chicago homeless, and Joe Compean reflects upon his passion for sneakers by snapping shots of people and their shoe wear. It’s a social documentation of our world. These pieces are impressive in their own unique ways.
What are future plans and shows?
LP: Peter Kepha and I are working on our 2009 calendar right now. We have an open call for submissions and have some folks in mind. But I’m not giving anything away right now. Our 2009 opening show will set the stage for the next year to come. The gallery itself will be going through some changes- I believe that these changes will only help to ensure another outstanding year. We can guarantee that more Chicago talent will be showcased. More group shows. More installation based exhibits. For those art makers interested in showing in our space we ask them to send us an e-mail requesting our submission guidelines. We get so many e-mails and drop offs everyday that it’s hard to make up our minds. Looking into future projects we are interested in developing community based public arts opportunities for students and artists. We are hoping to officially launch an after-school arts program for southwest side youth. ArtBox Chicago will provide high interest, high quality but low cost programming with non-traditional teaching artists. Other than that, we have our eyes on Art Basel and other major art fairs. Everyday we are trying to stay true to our concept and taking notice of art makers on the streets, in shows, online and in print.
