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A Closer Look at the Infantree
By Kelly L. Watson
Who is the Infantree? An anonymous batch of hand-printed Christmas cards sent last year had many people pondering this question. Was it a local band? Some new activist group? The greeting cards led their recipients to a web site that had strong graphic content but answered few questions.
Almost a year later, the Infantree has revealed itself as a creative collective with a gallery at 15 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster, four floors above the Prince Street Café. The group has a handful of members who comprise a blend of graphic designers, writers, musicians and other creative types. If you want more of an explanation -– a mission statement or a manifesto –- you’re out of luck.
“We made the conscious decision not to define ourselves,” said Infantree Founder Tim Hoover. “A lot of people know about the Infantree; not many people know who we are. But we’re fine with that.”
Hoover formed the group after graduating from Messiah College. He considered moving to a big city like Philadelphia or New York, where he could start his career in graphic design, but couldn’t shake the feeling that he belonged in Lancaster County. The only problem: most of his friends had left for more urban areas. The creative circle surrounding Hoover in college was gone.
Not one for giving up, Hoover decided to form a new group. He enlisted the help of his friend Jed Burkholder, a writer working at the Prince Street Café. Together the two started dreaming. When studio space became available above the Café, they jumped at the chance to give their dream its own street address. They started remodeling in August, and in October they held their first gallery show during First Friday and Art Walk weekend.
“We just finished renovations before we opened,” Hoover said. “The trim was still kind of wet, but I’d say it was a big success. We’re estimating that 400 or more people came through Friday night. I knew Art Walk weekend got pretty crazy, but I didn’t know so many people would venture up four flights of stairs to see our gallery.”
The artwork received a warm reception. Artist Steve Procopio displayed drawings, and Korean illustrator Mipa Lee showed off her “Metropolis”-style work. Hoover also had a number of works on display. Most had a Lancaster County theme, including one painting of Central Market and a large graphic piece that featured the Watt & Shand building. Several guests remarked that seeing these familiar Lancaster landmarks portrayed in such a fresh style seemed symbolic of the town’s transition from old to new.
Hoover finds such feedback refreshing, considering he’s pushing boundaries by hosting unique artwork in a community known for its resistance to change.
“I think there’s room for more alternative art on the scene,” Hoover said. “Lancaster’s becoming more accepting toward art that looks different. But we’re still a few steps away from people actually purchasing that art and hanging it in their living rooms.”
Hoover believes that the Infantree can change that, if only slightly. He’s even planned a December art show with about 200 small artworks priced between $20 and $40. He hopes that the low prices will make art more accessible to people shopping for holiday gifts. But in the long run, the goal isn’t to make more sales.
“I think our main audience is a couple of years away from having money to buy art,” Hoover said. “My friends and people our age need a couple more years to get to that point. It’s more about getting our work out there. Right now, we’re not really upset if we’re not selling things. I think it will start selling. It’s quality work. We’re just going to wait it out, stay true to our guns and keep doing what we’re doing.”
For more information about the Infantree and photos from the group’s First Friday opening, visit www.theinfantree.com.