By Ron Evans
The art beat goes on during these wacky times, although things are a bit different concerning protocol of course. This Friday local arts collective the 220 Group opens a new exhibit at Collapse Gallery in downtown Wenatchee showcasing a mix of styles and techniques. I reached out to group member Lindsay Breidenthal about the show and to learn what the 220 Group is all about.
Tell us about the origins of the show, the overall intent and which artists will be on exhibit this Friday?
The group had planned to have a show at Cafe Mela in April but...you know, COVID. The October show was already on the calendar so we decided to focus on that. We decided not to have a theme, allowing for a more open response. There are nine of us in the group but no one is ever obligated to show work. Seven artists have work in this exhibit: Niki Stewart, Alessandra Piro, Adele Caemmerer, karendawndean, Cynthia Neely, Sheryl Smith, and myself.
We haven’t been together since February and I think we all are pretty burnt out on Zoom. As far as productivity, summer is usually the time for experience and filling that creative cup. Fall/winter/spring seem to be more productive in terms of art. This spring was pretty paralyzing, however, and I think we’re just starting to see creative outcomes in response to the current shitstorm.
Between the Lines by Lindsay Breidenthal - 16x20” Oil on board
Where did the name 220 come from?
The name 220 came from a course at WVC, ART 220 - an advanced painting class. This class is taught by fellow artist, rock star, and department chair Scott Bailey. We’ve all taken the class at some point but some members have taken it multiple times.
Are these themed shows?
More often than not there is a theme, yes.
What can we expect from this upcoming exhibit?
Most of the artists made groups of pieces that work really well together. It’s interesting to see what has been produced in relative isolation. There are quite a few abstract works in deep, earthy tones, some use repetition of small shapes that are really mesmerizing. We’ll be suspending a felted banner from the ceiling, and a group of watercolor studies from time spent in India are displayed on a vintage sari. The rest of the gallery space, as always, has a rotating collection of fantastic work as well.
Untitled by Sheryl Smith - 24x24” Wax, oil paint
Talk about the experience of being part of group shows as opposed to holding solo exhibitions.
There’s less pressure to hold an entire space on your own when you exhibit with a group. Your work is exposed to more people and that’s always a plus. A well-curated show is cohesive but a group show that lacks a unifying theme can look like a real mess, which brings all the art down a notch. I love to see the different, creative responses to a central theme and I enjoy the challenge of those parameters when working too.
Is the first Friday Art walk officially happening again?
The future of First Friday as a monthly event, organized and supported by the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center is unknown at this moment. I believe a meeting is being held this week to focus on it. The businesses interested in keeping the flame alive continue to do so but First Friday as we have known it may look a bit different in the future.
Is there a plan for an online exhibit so those who can’t make it can still experience the show?
A virtual tour of the exhibit will be available by the end of the week. We’ll post the link on the Collapse website, Instagram, and Facebook. Some of the artists will make the video available through their accounts as well.
Is 220 an open group, and if so how can people get involved?
Paintings on Rice Paper (detail) by Niki Stewart - 32x36” Watercolor, rice paper, silk
The general feeling at this point is that the size of the group should be kept pretty small ( we’re at nine) to keep gatherings and critiques intimate and allow the focus to be on works in progress. No one here is opposed to new members in the future but it’s important to us that they have taken the 220 class, are actively making work, and can give and take in discussions about art.
Where can people keep up with the group’s events online?
Links to individual artist’s social media and websites can be found on the Collapse Gallery site as soon as the virtual tour is posted.
Wenatchee Valley College’s Arts Courses
The shows opens this Friday at Collapse Gallery at 115 S. Wenatchee Ave. with a reception from 4-9pm and runs till October 31st.