All photos by Todd Spitler |
Cheers to Art in the Bar
By Lori Baer
Five days -- at a bar -- various types of artwork -- a bunch of Lancaster creative people. Sound alternative? Perfect.
Art in an alternative space is exactly what members of the Creative House of Lancaster (CHL) imagined with the debut of Art in the Bar held Oct. 2–7 at the Alley Kat downtown on W. Lemon Street.
The Alley Kat transformed their dining space into an art gallery serving a cocktail of photography, illustration, collage, and digital art among other styles representing 23 artists with creative backgrounds just as diverse.
“It behooves any CHL member to be involved in Art in the Bar,” said Max Phillips, graphic designer and participating artist. “It’s a positive for the individual, a positive for the group, and a positive for Lancaster.” He’s talking about the CHL experience of being creatively inspired to do something you normally don’t do -- a recurring comment among those attending. CHL comrades gathered opening night to eat, drink, and ogle artwork.
The theme “Harvesting Renewable Talent” -- essentially Creative House of Lancaster’s slogan -- framed the free-form art exhibit. Some artists supported the theme in their work and others through the mere act of placing their creative selves publicly on the bar wall.
Member-artist Liz Masters’ watercolor painting, appropriately titled Harvesting Renewable Talent, served as the promotional backdrop for the show. Her imaginative painting appeared on the CHL website and event posters, which the Alley Kat also used as placemats to promote the exhibit.
As an alternative networking group, CHL’s alternative art space was fitting. From seasoned fine artists to an architect, a comic book illustrator, to a writer and graphic designers, participating artists were an eclectic lot. “Art is all around Lancaster and presents itself in many creative disciplines -- CHL is here to harvest that,” said Anne Kirby, CHL organizer and graphic designer.
Kirby borrowed the idea for the exhibit from a group in New York who hold alternative-space art shows in bars around the city. She felt the concept embodied the spirit of CHL, representing diverse creative careers, upholding artistic pursuits, and socializing with interesting people.
Freelance writer Kelly Watson stepped away from the keyboard to create her submission using collage. “Collage is a hobby, and I normally don’t present my work,” said Watson. “I go to a lot of art exhibits, and it was fun to be in an alternative space. There was a different vibe to the show.”
Among other benefits, the show provided an outlet for those who prefer not to put their work in galleries or those who don’t have a platform for publicly sharing their art. For others, Art in the Bar provided motivation to steer their creativity in new directions.
“Participating reminded me that while I make a living as a commercial artist, I’m an artist,” said Phillips. “At the core, I create.” Kirby would agree, who submitted a piece using digital illustration. “Graphic designers don’t normally think of their work as art.”
“I always considered myself an odd duck, but I realize I have a lot in common with CHL members,” said Watson. “I never have had the opportunity before to sit down and share about the importance of the arts in Lancaster.”
So raise your glasses high —- finally a reason to hang out in a bar that can make us proud!
The Alley Kat exhibit continues online at www.thechl.org/artshows where artwork is available for purchase. CHL extends its gratitude to the Alley Kat for hosting the event and all their cooperation. Plans are underway to schedule Art in the Bar events quarterly; visit CHL online for updates and a calendar of other CHL activities.