Gallery Spotlight: Alcove Contemporary Arts Gallery
Name:
Alcove Contemporary Arts Gallery
Who are the Founding Partners
I have worked with a large list of great folks to get this thing rolling. Most of these people no longer live in the Atlanta Area…Mark Henderson, Jon Kay, Jeff Waites, Bridgett Finnegan, Patty Krohngold,…were all important players of the process The concept of Alcove started in 1991. It started as a monthly event called “the Local” in a warehouse located on Mangum Street in Castleberry Hill. This transitioned into what we called as the BOA Gallery which was downstairs from the original space. Warehouse space was fairly cheap in that area at the time…1500 a month for 3000 sq. ft. 3 levels, secured parking, and a hot tub. Anyway…Live music, film, interesting sideshows, and great art create the theme. I had been installing a lot of work in Tongue and Groove,The Peasant restaurants..Pleasant Peasant and Mick’s really helped put me in business. I had been looking for a new business model in 2001 that would create balance by bringing design into the equation. Alcove was born when I decided to launch the new spot on Bennett Street next to Micks on the corner of Peachtree Road. Yvette Hynnamin jumped on board with her design skills for a couple months and then moved to Tennessee to raise a family. In general, it’s the hardest thing I have ever done…however it does feel as if it completes me for the moment.
How long has the Gallery been in biz?
2001
Why is your gallery in ATL?
I love the south…and I love being somewhat close to the coast. People are diverse and hungry for a healthy art scene. I honestly feel we cannot survive without it.
What’s your biggest biz problem in ATL?
The importance of art in or lives is necessary…form birth. Maybe that sometimes we dont take the gift of creation seriously. Its therapy and has its own spirit. Always there for us for a pick up or a moment of inspiration. Better than beer…Its Life!
What is your gallery doing to help promote creativity in ATL?
Maybe providing the availability of a national circle of artists? Teaching classes is another..I have felt that I need to give back a little. For me…I really came to life as a artist in fifth grade elementary school. Working on a paper maache dragon…If I can communicate a fraction of how great this moment was for me…I would be somewhat satisfied.
What makes your gallery different than other galleries in ATL?
I cant say all galleries have triggered emotions for me. I want reaction…or I want to be moved…There are enough things in this world that are presently lifeless. Alcove is a extension of the life experiences I have stumbled through in my first 40 years. Mostly the filtration of friends which makes it unique. It also compiles a little bit of each teacher I admired…the beach…past and present loves,my old collection of retro comics and monster magazines,etc. I work with people I really love and admire and I feel we all are in this together. As a painter, I rely on them to keep me inspired on a constant basis. Running a gallery should never be cold and pretentious. All of us want to be loved and grow on all levels..so really surround yourself with what inspires your quality of living.
What do you look for in artist or their work for your gallery?
Usually when my hair stands up on my arms I know immediately. If the shoe fits!
What’s the feedback so far about your gallery?
The response has been amazing. I cannot complain…Just happy to be in business!
Number of employees?
I hire help for events…but no full time employees at this moment.
Why should ATL creatives know about your gallery?
I think its a great source of inspiration…and we all seriously need that everyday.
What’s the best way for artist to show you their work in hopes of getting it in the gallery?
Send us a link to their work.
What can the city of Atlanta do to help this scene?
Fund more public art! Promote the arts! Buy more art!
Can you name some of the artist your gallery has shown?
Well the upcoming group show…WONKA…this is the partial international array of work. Sid Watters, Benji Williams, Kevin Titzer, Mark Hendersoon, Matt Lively, Shaunna Peterson, Sergio Mora, Nastja Holtfreter, Justink, Dave Cook, Mr. Hooper, Joe Havasy, Ben Boling, Chris Mostyn, Carol Ashley, Bethany Marchman…and the list goes on.
What’s the future of your gallery?
Hopefully we will continue to grow.
Any last words?
With budget cuts everywhere in schools and the worlds presently insane tangents we have to depend on non-profits and our local galleries to stay alive. This is a labor of love for anyone rightfully in the business. Nurture music, writing, and creativity…All forms of art recharge the human spirit. Thanks for supporting the Arts!
Contact info:
chris@hcwarner.com / 404.663.0159
H.C Warner
ALCOVE GALLERY
2852 East College Ave.
Decatur GA 30030�
ALCOVEARTS.COM
Alcove Contemporary Arts Gallery Work:
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