Yesterday we went to Dykeman Young Gallery and Vintage Emporium, https://www.facebook.com/DykemanYoungGalleryAndVin… one of the two spaces we’ll be exhibiting Colonize along with the public 3rd on 3rd gallery.
On my word. A large, airy and floor space, so much light, wooden floors. We are spoilt. Not only this, but as well as running this beautiful space as a commercial gallery, programming diverse and innovative contemporary art shows each month, owner Michael Dykeman also runs a vintage emporium on the 1st floor. The Emporium is just incredible – a huge collection of vintage clothing and objects beautifully presented in multiple rooms across the whole floor. SWOON. I’ve already spotted a bag I may find it hard not to buy. Michael has been providing costumes to the film industry in LA and internationally for many years which involved travelling all over the world – and has a huge collection of costumes of which the shop contains only a part. He is semi-retired from the film work and is concentrating on the Gallery and Emporium. Lucky Jamestown residents and artists to have this wonderful space!
Michael is extremely interested in our work for the show. He tells me he has a high regard for Debra and her work and when she talked to him about the project was intrigued by the prospect of a group of international artists coming to Jamestown – as this is something new for the town. Michael is interested in using the gallery to host work and events ‘with an edge’ as an alternative to the more traditional and conservative art in the region which appeals to the tourist market.
As part of Colonize, he is hosting a panel discussion at the gallery called ‘I and We: art and community in the 21st Century’ moderated by Dr. Patricia Briggs of the Weeks Gallery, on the nature of art & community in the 21st Century, which is happening on 7th April. I am looking forward to this event as it connects very much to my own interests in collectivity, generosity exchange. It is wonderful to have opportunity to have some conversation with artists here in Jamestown about their experiences and reflections on these ideas.
The other artists from the UK arrived last night – Bruce Davies, Michael Borkowsky and David Cotton – and so today we begin the work of looking at the pieces for the show and making decisions about what goes in which space. Best go and get ready.
