This article is included in our Summer 2022 newsletter!

Open Door Art Studio & Gallery is coming off of a very successful June exhibition, Love is a Rainbow, that illustrated why our studio is an inclusive space that promotes love. “It was important to our artists to have an exhibition that celebrated Pride Month and sent a message of overarching love and acceptance,” said Sean Moore, the studio’s Program Director.

Many artists we support—including Sara Barton, Zach Hitch, Ian Howard, and Samantha Perry—all dove right into the concept and created amazing pieces that included every color in the rainbow! Take a look at some photos from the event!

Check out our photo slideshow below!

Now, the studio turns its attention to another creative idea – artists and staff swapping roles.

Opening August 13th, Role Reversal will be curated entirely by Open Door artists and will feature artwork created by Open Door staff.

“We love the concept of this exhibition because it offers an opportunity for our artists to immerse themselves in the behind-the-scenes world of the arts,” said Sean.

Creating is very important as an artist, but just as important is understanding curation and marketing. Having that added knowledge instills confidence and increases marketability for future works.

We initially soft-launched the idea of “Role Reversal” in 2020. However, as pandemic restrictions were still very high, the exhibition was held virtually, and few artists were able to participate in the curation process.

Curation can be a different process for everyone that completes it! Ultimately, the main goal is to conceptualize and achieve an exhibition that is visually balanced. The collection of works featured should complement and flow into one another, without distracting from one another.

Sean is typically in charge of curating exhibitions at Open Door Art Studio & Gallery.

“Generally, I will start grouping pieces by either similar or complimentary colors,” he said. “Then, I will consider pattern, size, and texture. It can be a challenging and fun process – almost like a puzzle.”

Sometimes a curator thinks they’ve “cracked the code,” but then once they start hanging pieces on the wall it doesn’t seem to work visually. Then you have to go back to the drawing board and reformulate your plan.

Eventually, though, the puzzle pieces always come together. “We are very excited to let the artists take the reins on this,” said Sean. “We completely trust their judgement and creative visions!”

But can our staff put their money where their mouth is and create an exhibition worth of artwork?

It will take a group effort. Staff members Sean, Claire, Kat, Alex, and Cristina will submit works—including brand new pieces and others that were featured in previous exhibitions—for the upcoming Role Reversal exhibition, which opens August 13th from 5pm-7pm. Works will then be on display until September 2nd.

Click here to register for a FREE ticket to Role Reversal!

This exhibition has been generously sponsored by Nate & Linda Griffin in honor of Amber and the fabulous people who work with her, including Vivian Roberts, Bimpe Adegboyo, Genabou Kaba, Margaret Fonyam, and Leticia Fosua.