Hello, art lovers. We are very pleased to announce the opening exhibition for the nearly indescribable work of Andrew Bohl, on Thursday, July 26th.
First, a reminder (or introduction for newcomers): Spur Gallery is a no-profit (that's right -- NO profit) gallery dedicated to art and equity. 80% of all sales goes directly to the artist, while the entirety of the remaining 20% is donated to organizations working for social justice.
Mr. Bohl's work is a masterful study in mixed media. Combining carvings and sculpture, illustration, painting, wire weaving, script, and an array of papers, Andrew brings tales and truths to (sometimes interactive!) three-dimensional life, reminiscent of ancient scrolls and books. And the intricacy and the precision so prominent in every piece are just the icing on the cake. His work is an experience to be had (and to be taken home).
Please join us, Thursday, July 26th, from 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Spur Gallery, 4001 NE Holman Street, Portland, OR 97211
Small bites and wine will be provided. Children are welcome, but please be sure yours are made aware of the etiquette appropriate for gallery attendance.
Spur Gallery is the creation of Reed and Holly LaPlant, it's a beautifully re-imagined use of their former garage. Reed has been a fervent supporter and acquirer of Andrew's work for years. He's an artist himself, designing and building custom furniture that are truly works of functional art, see more here.
Last week Andrew had his work spread out in the basement studio, so I took advantage of the moment to snap a few close-ups. All of these and more will be available next Thursday. I hope to see you there!
Weather Diary, July 18: Hi 84, Low 61/ Precip tbd
All material © 2009-2018 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
What a great group of work. It always looks so good when you capture it in your interior shots. And I love the idea of a gallery that gives the artists most of the profits. It is hard to believe how many now give the artist 40 and the gallery 60. I understand the economics but that makes it hard to want to be associated with a gallery. And I am also drooling over his great work space. Very nice. Did I also say what a beautifully worded invite right down to the comment about kids?!
ReplyDeleteYes, as you say the economics of running a gallery are difficult, but the artists getting such a small cut of what they create...it's not good.
DeleteKudos to Andrew on this! For once I'm kicking myself for not living in Portland, so I could attend. I've been a great admirer of Andrew's art. It's the cleverest I've seen in a long time, and like nothing else I've seen, i.e., not derivative.
ReplyDeleteI wish you could be here!
DeleteWhat Alison said. I wish I could come to the reception.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about Andrew's work is that it demands you to stop and pay attention because it's so detailed. I'm a big fan of small art as opposed to giant paintings, which can often be viewed and discarded in one glance. Andrew's pieces are so complete--I feel there's nothing he could add or take away.
That's a great description Gerhard.
DeleteGerhard is right, Andrew's work really draws you in and the script keeps you there, engaged with his creations. I love this gallery concept of giving the artist most of the proceeds of the sales. I often wondered where Andrew worked and didn't realize he had a studio in the basement. Awesome. Congratulations to Andrew on this show!
ReplyDeleteIf we had another bedroom he'd be upstairs, but small house dictates the basement as studio.
DeleteHow exciting! I hope there is a wonderful turnout and of course lots of sales.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteThis looks so good! I AM in Portland (nominally) but unfortunately I'll be out of town that night. Darn. I'd have loved to see these in person and support Andrew. I hope it's a wonderful evening for him!
ReplyDeleteBummer, but thanks for the wishes.
DeleteAndrew's work is delightfully imaginative! I hope you both enjoy the show. A no-profit gallery with proceeds going to social justice causes would draw me in if I wasn't hundreds of miles away.
ReplyDeleteYa, that's a long flight!
DeleteIs it weird that my first thought when reading the headline was "who is Andrew Bohl?"
ReplyDeleteLove Andrew's work -- wish I could attend, as I'm sure photos don't do the work justice.
They don't! Much better in person.
DeleteHow charming, Loree!! So excited for you and Andrew. That fourth from last drawing of the fantasy pseudodinosaurs is especially wonderful. Wish I could see the exhibit. Please post photos!
ReplyDeleteI do hope to be able to take a few gallery photos!
DeleteAndrew's work has left me speechless, except to wish his pieces were weatherproof garden art. I see some inspiration taken from the plants in your garden in his work.
ReplyDeleteHe does plants up well! I get fabulous illustrated cards...
DeleteVery unique and quirky, I expect his art will be well-received!
ReplyDeleteI hope so, he's had other (more typical) gallery shows in the past which went well. This one is a little different but promises to be great.
DeleteWhat fun! Great work, wishing Andrew great success in his show.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janet!
DeleteCongratulations. I wish I could attend. I love the all the wire bits, especially the light bulb night scene with the reflex blue cacti. I'll have to wait for the web site to be up an running, soon I hope.
ReplyDeleteYa, we've talked about a website but so far just haven't taken the plunge.
DeleteThe invitation says to teach children proper gallery etiquette. So I searched for it. Seems adults nedd etiquette even more ... https://www.artbusiness.com/art-gallery-opening-bad-behavior-etiquette-for-everyone.html
ReplyDeleteThat's quite the list, sadly I am not surprised at most of the things that appear on it. People can be horrible.
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