Most folks would concur that cultural enlightenment - in any or all of its iterations - has benefits aplenty. But for some, stepping foot into, say, a formal-feeling gallery or a velvet-roped exhibit hall can be more than a tad intimidating. But Lauren Childs and J.W. Wilson aim to change that.
The duo - she's a local artist, he's a local art dealer/aficionado; they've been pals since the tender age of 5 - teamed recently to launch Fort Works Art (FWA). Their mission: "to break down the barriers that inhibit the spread of art to the community." To meet that mandate, the group holds two Gallery Night events annually. Their first was this past spring; the second is set for Sept. 6. Proceeds benefit The Warm Place.
"We want to bring art and music together and to make art more accessible to the average person," Childs said. "We don't want people to feel intimidated." Eventually, Childs and Wilson would like to open a local gallery space that exhibits a mix of long-time pros and talented up-and-comers. In the meantime, though, the pair will focus their efforts on Gallery Night, bringing in new and emerging artists - along with more established "career" ones - to showcase their wares. Those wares, Childs notes, tend toward an "edgier" niche - a niche that, she maintains, has yet to be filled here in the Fort, where "conceptual and minimalist" pieces are more of the norm.
"Most of our artists are more realism-based; they push the limits," she described of the painters and others who comprise their cadre. "It's not as "quiet" as a lot of the art you see around here."
But it won't be just artists in the spotlight on Sept. 6. The event, called "A Threaded Canvas," will also feature musicians and fashion designers. And for those who enjoy some, shall we say, "spirited" fun with their cultural immersion: Wine, food trucks and an after-party featuring live bands are also part of the palette. It all takes place on Calhoun Street in the Shipping & Receiving building (the old Supreme Golf space) from 2 p.m. to midnight. "So you can bring your kids during the day and bring your significant other at night," Childs said.
Besides a sampling of Childs" pieces, the main gallery will house several works by six other local career artists: John Carlisle Moore, Leigh Ann Williams, Janet Chaffee, Riley Holloway, Janna Tidwell and The Dead Artists" Society. Eighteen emerging regional artists" creations will dot the hallway in a large, salon-formatted installation. The fashion show will take place in the main space, spotlighting togs by such designers as Michael-David Light and Georgina Estefania. To cap off the festivities, three local bands will take the stage from 9 – 12 p.m.
"A Threaded Canvas" is free and open to the public. That free aspect, Childs notes, is integral to FWA's vision of providing an artistic venue that anyone and everyone can visit and enjoy. And she hopes that, as the word gets out, folks from far and wide will find their way to our fair town for a piece of the artistic action.
"We want to make Fort Worth a new hub for art," Childs said. "We want people from out of town to say, "You've got to come to Fort Worth [to see the art]!" There's a ton of culture here. … It's got that whole Santa Fe vibe."
Fall Gallery Night
Sept. 6, 2014
Fort Works Art "A Threaded Canvas"
Shipping & Receiving Warehouse, Tilt Room
205 S. Calhoun St.
Gallery hours: 2–10 p.m.
Fashion show: 8:15 p.m.
Live music: 2 p.m.–midnight
817.235.5804
