The Opportunity Shop - Hyde ParkNovember 25 December 31, 2009
The name "Opportunity Shop" was inspired by the term itself, which means thrift store in Australia. The idea that there could be a shop dedicated to opportunities filled my imagination with a kind of Turkish bazaar of colorful treasures, smells, meaningful encounters and free flowing ideas. A visual speakers corner came to mind. I wondered what this might be like in an art context. When we were offered a big space for a nominal fee by Mac Properties I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to try out the Op Shop.
We are inviting artists to bring their art, ideas, thoughts, and concerns to this space in Hyde Park in novel ways. We are open to all media. We hope to create a kind of total installation that is dynamic and constantly developing over the allotted time. The Op Shop is also set up to be a site of exchange, a place where participants are encouraged to identify their own resources and needs and come together to barter or sell objects, artworks, services, or particular skills. Artists' work and social exchange go hand-in-hand in this particular scenario.
This opportunity shop located at 1613 E. 55th Street is a short term, spontaneous pilot project for what we hope will become a series of exhibitions taking place in spaces in transition throughout Hyde Park and the south side of Chicago. By using vacant spaces with the cooperation of the owners for exhibitions, we can economize on overhead and also bring attention to unused urban space.
If you are interested in participating in The Op Shop, please contact us immediately. We need people to donate time to help run the gallery during open hours, and ask that artists help to hang work. The process is designed to be organic and free flowing, with rolling entries and departures. Many projects will be on view for the duration of the exhibition, although temporary events may occur on a nightly basis. If you wish to use the space for a meeting, a happening, a performance, a musical debut, a dance lesson, a workshop or reading, please let us know at least 2 days in advance. Alternately, work may be made on-site, developing over the course of the month.
We will also have a silent auction to raise money for the Home Gallery and Larch projects, art donations for which are greatly appreciated. We would like to have multiples and small, affordable art that will generate sales. 25% of the sales of art work will be used to cover costs with overflow to be used to fund other projects of this nature in the future.
If you know anyone who might be interested in this project, please feel free to forward this message.
We look forward to hearing form all of you!
The Op Shop will be located at 1613 E. 55th Street between the Metra station and Cornell on 55th street.
Dates: 11/27 Fri - 12/31 Thu
Visitor hours: 11am-7pm, Thu-Sun,
Evenings, coinciding with events.
Opening reception: 11/27 Fri, from 6-10 p.m.
Silent Auction: 12/5 Sat from 6-10 p.m
Closing party: 12/31 Thu from 6-10 p.m.
Space generously sponsored by Mac Properties Hyde Park
Contact us for more details and with any questions:
laura.shaeffer@gmail.comwww.thelarch.org+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++