by Elisha Neubauer of New Mexico Homes
http://www.newmexicohomes.com/articles/from-underground-to-mainstream-how-pop-gallery-is-aiding-the-pop-surreal-movement
Pop Gallery knows the importance art plays in a community, and it's a task they're willing to tackle head on. Looking to enrich the residents of Santa Fe, Pop Gallery continues to provide art lovers with a thought provoking alternative, one that often times gets left behind in the world of museums and art galleries.
Pop Gallery takes its cues from the underground world of tattooing and graffiti, comics, cartoons, pop art, illustration, and surrealist artists. The gallery showcases works that emanates the mix of influences and energies which have become a part of our everyday world despite being underrepresented in most upscale galleries.
Pop Gallery, which was founded in 2006, considers itself to be a forward thinking gallery which promotes emerging artists and internationally recognized trends. As Sharla Throckmorton-McDowell, gallerist and curator for Pop Gallery, states, "In essence, Pop Gallery continues to represent a celebration of mediums and ideas, the dynamic union between independence and spirit, the emergence of sub-culture on a contemporary platform."
It is this platform which they use to play their part within the community. The gallery ensures that a portion of every single sale goes directly back into the local arts community. In addition to their charitable contributions, Pop Gallery hosts several annual shows which benefit local charities. These shows include such features as the Pop Femme Sugar Coated Strange, a benefit for Southwest C.A.R.E. Center; POP Goes to the Dogs benefits either ADW or SFAS.
"We promote literacy through an annual Illustrators event featuring museum quality works by Dr Seuss & Maurice Sendak paired with new works inspired by their books, as a fundraiser for local schools & our children's museum," states Throckmorton-McDowell.
The gallery also partners with several local literacy organizations and local charities such as Assistance Dogs of The West, The Santa Fe Childrens Museum, Project 236, Read Across America, NM-NEA, Gerards House, Under Dog Rescue, The Adaptive Ski Program, Buckaroo Ball, Meds and Food for Kids, Bienvenidos Outreach, and Southwest C.A.R.E. Center, among others. "As Santa Feans we recognize the importance of the arts and charity in our community," Throckmorton-McDowell affirms.
Since opening, the gallery has hosted groundbreaking show after groundbreaking show, contributing exponentially to the pop surreal vibe which is just beginning to be recognized by museums and nonprofits. While the movement has come a long way, it still has leaps and bounds to go and Pop Gallery will be there guiding the way, by continuing to host new and emerging artists in their intimate space.
For artists looking to get their work hung in the halls of Pop Gallery, there is a process...one that must be adhered to, due to the astounding amount of applicants they receive daily. "While our roster is currently full we review submissions from November to January," Throckmorton-McDowell explains. |
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