Grey Will Close at 1512 11th Avenue on January 19th

Dear Friends and Patrons,

I regret to announce that Grey will be closing its doors at its current location on Saturday night, June 19th due to complications with our landlord. I am currently looking at other spaces in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. With a little bit of luck, Grey will re-open in a new location later this year.

I am proud of what Grey has accomplished in its first two and a half years while maneuvering through a contentious relationship between a landlord and a building owner. Although moving comes at a significant cost to my staff, exhibiting artists, investors and myself, I am excited about the possibility of Grey operating in a much more positive and professional environment where we can provide an even greater experience to our patrons.

I am so grateful for your two and a half years of patronage and support and hope you will join us over the next few weeks in celebrating the community of artists, DJs and staff members that have made this all possible and look forward with us to continuing in a new space. Below is a list of events between now and June 19th we would be thrilled to see you at. We will be open during regular business hours and by appointment as well.

Again, thank you for your continued patronage and support. We hope to see you here soon and again, not too far down the road, in a new location!

Warmest regards,

Erik Guttridge


Final Weeks of Events at 1512 11th Ave:

Hellogoodbye
June 3 – 19, 2010
Preview: June 3, 7 -10p
Reception: June 10, 5p - 8:30p
New work by Robert Hardgrave and Greg Boudreau (who were scheduled to have full solo exhibitions) and a 2-year retrospective including works by other artists from past exhibitions at Grey
Free

Best of Artwalk Awards- Special Capitol Hill BLITZ Edition
Presented by Blue Moon, 4Culture and City Arts
June 10, 8:30pm (following Hellogoodbye reception)
Hosted by Joey Veltkamp
Free

International Lounge
June 13, 7pm - 2am
Trent Moorman of Head Like a Kite vs. Scratchmaster Joe, live performance
Adam Svenson & Garek Druss dj set
No Cover
21+

Drum of the Draw
Saturday, June 19, 5p-9p
A bi-monthly live, invitational drawing event that brings artists and their creative process to the public for one night every other month. The artists create original drawings while the public is invited to enjoy refreshments, observe the artists at work and purchase art as it is completed. None of the work is over $200, making it an affordable way to purchase works from some of your favorite Seattle artists.
Free

Last Hurrah Weekend!
June 18 - 19
Special editions of Grey Area and SOLID Saturdays
Late Night Happy Hour from 12am – last call Friday and Saturday night. 1/2 price Champagne bottles all weekend (while available).

Our New Happy Hour:
4p -7p daily and midnight to last call June 18 and 19
½ Price Cocktail Menu!
$2 High Life!
$1 off Local Draughts!
$2 off House Wines!
$3 Hors D’oeuvres!

Grey Gallery and Lounge to host Amy-Ellen Flatchestedmama Trefsger "Color Court" April 28, 2010 at 7pm

In preparation for her exhibition at Gallery4Culture, Amy-Ellen Flatchestedmama Trefsger is holding "Color Court" at Grey Gallery and Lounge on April 28th at 7pm.

What is "Color Court"? Only your fabulous chance to have your say on those pesky differences between shades of grey and black. Of all things, Seattleites should know about, it's whether something is truly grey!!!

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Amy-Ellen Flatchestedmama Trefsger: Monochromatic May: 31 days in grey
Exhibition Running at Gallery4Culture: : May 6 – May 27, 2010
Opening: First Thursday, May 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.
"Color Court": Wednesday, April 28th at 7pm, hosted by Grey Gallery and Lounge
------------------------------

(Seattle, WA) - Painters in the Northwest have traditionally embraced a subdued palette, a logical extension of the climate we live in. Performance artist, Amy-Ellen Trefsger, takes it one step further: for the past 3 years, each May, Trefsger has donned an entirely grey wardrobe. Gallery4Culture is delighted to participate in and foster Trefsger’s idiosyncratic vision by presenting, Monochromatic May: 31 days in grey, a solo exhibition of performance art, historical MM documentation, and a suite of Trefsger paintings (in grey).

How grey is grey? Every year, before she can wear them, all new greys acquired by Trefsger must be deemed true grey by a jury of color aficionados. Silver is allowed in the way of zippers, jewelry, and a few accent items; black and white may make appearances as thread or buttons, but basically, everything (head to toe, accessories to underwear) that Amy-Ellen Trefsger wears night and day throughout the month of May is some variation of ‘uncontested’ grey. Color Court, the pre-event to May’s Gallery4Culture exhibition, all grey wardrobe items belonging to the artist are subject to public scrutiny in a performance. The audience acts as jury, voting ‘grey’ or ‘nay’ on items. Majority vote rules and that which passes will be worn during Monochromatic May. Color Court is being held at Grey Gallery and Lounge on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 7pm.

Artist Biography: Amy-Ellen Trefsger is a Seattle based artist who performs time-based and conceptual works. She is best known by her artist moniker, Flatchestedmama.

In 2004 Trefsger gained notoriety by making a Public Declaration of Commitment to Her Creative Self in a performance art piece titled, Commitment Ceremony. She legally took flatchestedmama as her middle name. We are happy to report, that Trefsger’s marriage to her creative self remains strong and is, in fact, thriving.

Flatchestedmama is a founding member of the double-dutching performance group, OntheDouble (dutch). She is also an avid mail artist. Learn more at about her ongoing projects at: www.flatchestedmama.com

Attached credit for photo “proper grey.jpg”: Proper Grey, photo by Sears (copyright released)

About Gallery4Culture
Gallery4Culture is located within 4Culture offices at 101 Prefontaine PL S, Seattle WA 98104 at the corner of Third and Prefontaine, in the Tashiro/Kaplan Building. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed government holidays; the gallery is open and free to the public. For more information about this program call 206 296.8674. The public website is http://www.4culture.org/publicart/gallery/index.htm

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4Culture is a unique integration of the arts, heritage, preservation and public art; committed to advancing community through culture. Public exhibitions and performances, public art, preservation of significant sites and interpretation of local history deepen our connections to the places in which we live and work. 4Culture stimulates cultural activity and enhances the assets that distinguish a community as vibrant, unique and authentic.

Artist Roster for April 17th Drum of the Draw!

Drum of the Draw is a live drawing event held bi-monthly at Grey Gallery and Lounge. The events are a lot of fun and a great way to connect with local artists and collect their work. Original artwork can be purchased directly from the artists for $20 to $200! Artists participating in the April Drum of the Draw are:

Joey Bates - www.joeybates.com
Tim Marsden - www.etmarsden.com
Jeff Mihalyo - www.mihalyo.com
Erin Shafkind - www.erinshafkind.com
Carol d'Inverno - www.caroledinverno.net
Amy Harris - www.amyharris.org
David Kane - www.fryemuseum.org/exhibition/62/
Robert Hardgrave - www.roberthardgrave.com

Parallel Universe in the news - again!

Check out this fabulous article by Rachel Shimp in the Seattle Times!

Grey Gallery show is a journey to new territory with familiar artists

Manifold Motion - Art You: Celebrating 5 Years

We are happy to support local artist group Manifold Motion by hosting their benefit show Art You: Celebrating 5 Years.

When: April 3, 2010, 6-9pm

Where: Grey Gallery and Lounge, 1512 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, www.greygalleryandlounge.com

Price: $10 Suggested Donation

Seattle performance group Manifold Motion celebrates five years of bringing collaborators together to create innovative productions with Art You, an evening overflowing with performance, visual art, and revelry. Hosted by Grey Gallery and Lounge, the event kicks off at 6pm on Saturday April 3. The evening features themed drink specials, music by DJ Randy Jones, an affordable art sale with works from local artists ranging from $30-$200, and guest performances by ticktock, The Asterisk Project and Titanium Sporkestra. A $10 suggested donation and all other proceeds from the event will benefit Manifold Motion’s future projects.

Manifold Motion is an interdisciplinary performance company whose mission is to cross barriers between artistic disciplines, encourage collaboration between artists, and provide opportunities for the public to experience new modes of expression. Based in Seattle, WA the company has been producing its experimental blend of multidisciplinary performance since 2005. To date, Manifold Motion has collaborated with over 30 dancers, musicians, writers, technologists and visual artists.

Manifold Motion is an associated program of Shunpike. Shunpike is a 501(c)(3) non-profit art service organization whose mission is to strengthen the Seattle arts community by partnering with small and mid-size arts groups to develop the business tools they need to succeed. Working in close partnership with these groups, Shunpike helps solve problems quickly and impart vital skills in finance, organizational management and arts administration.

Grey Gallery and Lounge is dedicated to supporting the innovation and experimentation of local and emerging artists and arts organizations. It is open everyday from 4pm to 2am, by appointment or by chance. For appointments call 206.325.5209 or email erik@greygalleryandlounge.com

For more information about Manifold Motion and Art You, please visit www.ManifoldMotion.com.

5 x 5 Decisions

As of today, all of the artists have been selected for 5 x 5!

Congratulations to:
Sean Alexander
Julie Alpert
Anna Garner
Claire Jauregui
and
Sara Owens

Grey Gallery and Lounge would like to thank all of the participating artists who submitted to this show. We were thrilled with the caliber of work you all shared with us and are eternally grateful for your patience in this process. We hope this experience has been fruitful for you and that our connection continues. It has been an honor to make your acquaintance and we wish you all the best in your art careers.

Please join us at the opening for 5 x 5 on Thursday, April 8 between 5pm and 9pm. It would be great to put faces to names.

All the best,
Erik Guttridge and Luara Moore
Grey Gallery and Lounge

5 x 5 Decision 5

The artist selected by curator Sheila Elias is:
#29 - ANNA GARNER

There is a subtlety to Anna Garner's work that has an emotional pull of beauty until you realize what the subject matter is. The tragic content in this body of work transforms the mind to be aware of all of the holocausts in the world. There is a stillness to the photographic imagery, and the subjects themselves. If feels as though it is an isolated moment in time. The railroad tracks

piece that shows the tracks disappearing into the horizon line has a tremendous mysterious quality about it. Her use of light and texture is quite arresting. I share Garner's religious views, and have studied the Holocaust in depth, so her series is quite meaningful to me.

Congratulations Anna!

5 x 5 Decision 4

The artist choice by curator Ford Crull is:
#12 JULIE ALPERT

I found Julie’s work to be utterly delightful in that her use of space, light, and materials is both whimsical yet very thoughtful. There is obviously a very serious process that appears both complicated and yet very poetic. There are no easy answers here, yet a series of perceptions and possibilities as to the meaning ascribed to the environments. The symbolists of the late 19th century espoused the notion of ambiguity in their images so as to amplify the varied interpretations and meaning of their work. I think in Alperts work the same is true: that their are multiple ideas and truths in the environments, and it is up to us to decipher what those meanings are based on our own sensibilities and culture. The end result is a fascinating world of discovery and illusion.

Congratulations Julie!

5 x 5 Decision 3

The artist choice from curator Steve Kursh is:
#56 CLAIRE JAUREGUI
She seems to be extremely thoughtful and focused about her style and intent.
The printmaking medium is so deftly handled here it almost feels like she's cheating. Unencumbered alacrity in form and function, thoughtful balance in use of painterliness and repetitive shapes, and color that makes you go mmmmmmm. What's wrong with having a little freewheelin' fun?

Congratulations Claire!

5 x 5 Decision 2

The artist chosen by curator Bob Nugent is
#38 SARA OWENS
I found the sculpture and installation work to be the most interesting. I look for work that grabs me first and then pulls me in for closer inspection. Once there I want to be rewarded with additional information. Strong work should require repeated viewing. With three dimensional work this is a harder thing to do on line. But for me these pieces show the most promise for the exhibit.

Sara's work asks questions of me and the answers are not a for-gone conclusion. It asks me to participate in a conversation, to think about what I see, not simply read its visual image. The use of contrasting materials heightens this experience and I am forced to come back and ask questions myself.

There were many good individual pieces among the submissions; but her body of work stood out from the rest as thoughtful, beautifully crafted and engaging.

Congratulations Sara!

5 x 5 Decision 1

The artist choice for curator Edward Goldman is
#88 - SEAN ALEXANDER
What made me select the works by Sean Alexander is the undeniable sense of confidence with which he handles the medium. His highly stylized drawings both inform us about the world he inhabits and entertain with a lovely sense of humor.

Congratulations Sean!

5 x 5 - Have Your Say!

5 x 5, five local artists, five national curators

Hello!

As you may have seen, we have been working on an exciting exhibition for the months of April and May. After much hard work, we have acquired 88 fabulous artist submissions and have
posted them here on our blog.

Now is the chance for you to have your say!
If you could pick 5 of them, who would you pick to be in the show? Why?

What defines “emerging art” and what is the importance of it in a healthy arts community? In 5 x 5 we seek to open a dialogue about the significance of emerging arts and the people involved in supporting it. Our national curators offer a fresh eye to Seattle arts – giving us an outside perspective and definition of what quality emerging art is. This exterior influence provides a foundation for further development of the Seattle aesthetic and a sounding board for Seattle artists to investigate their role within a national spectrum.

The premise of 5 x 5 is to offer five local emerging artists an opportunity to exhibit their work within a professional gallery setting while gaining exposure in their community as well as with nationally recognized artists and curators.

We encourage the public to open a conversation about emerging arts in the Northwest and how it is viewed through the eyes of those from other corners of the country. The exhibition will inspire critical investigation into questions such as – What is the significance of having national curators select the artists for this show? How do galleries support diversity in the arts and provide opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work? How does the Northwest emerging art scene in this region differ from other areas? And what is currently considered “emerging art”?

The development of this exhibition has been intentionally open for public view and comments to encourage dialogue and provide a window into the process. 5 x 5 was instigated by a few people discussing “emerging art” and wanting to take that conversation to a broader place.

Participating national curators include:
Edward Goldman, National Public Radio affiliated station, KCRW 89.9 fm - Los Angeles
Steve Kursh, Artist – Woodstock, NY
Bob Nugent Artist and Curator – San Francisco, CA
Ford Crull Artist – New York, NY
and Sheila Elias Artist – Miami, FL.

5 x 5 will open Thursday April 8th, 2010 and run through June 5th, 2010. An opening reception is schedule for April 8th, 2010 from 5pm until 9pm.

Grey Gallery and Lounge is dedicated to supporting the innovation and experimentation of artists. It is open everyday from 4pm to 2am, by appointment or by chance.
Email luara@greygalleryandlounge.com with questions about 5 x 5 .

Parallel Universe gets a stellar review!

Our current show Parallel Universe has received a glowing review from the esteemed Regina Hackett. The review can be read here: Parallel Universe

Another Bouncing Ball is an excellent source for that arts and in our opinion should be read diligently!

Enjoy.
Grey Gallery and Lounge

5 x 5 Submission 89 - Lauren Wallace

Lauren Wallace
Lauren Wallace's website
BIO:

Born in South Carolina, I've lived in Washington for almost 20 years, a Pacific Northwesterner at heart. I am a graduate of the Graphic Design Production program at Western Washington University, class of 2009, where I had the opportunity to study abroad in Edmonton, Alberta Canada at the University of Alberta under the renowned First Nations artist Jane Ash Poitras. This experience greatly shaped my artistic vision and elements of the experience can be seen in almost all the art I create. I work as a designer by trade and freelance (www.laurenwallacedesign.com), and a painter by love. My work is part of private collections in cities across the United States, including Boulder, CO; Pittsburgh, PA; Asheville, NC; and of course Seattle, WA.

5 x 5 Submission 88 - Sean Alexander

Sean Alexander
statement:

I like drawing animals, sick people, cube stuff, the working class, drunks, cowboys, ice cubes, children etc... the list is always growing and being revisited again and again. I don't know why I draw this stuff, but it is what I want to draw apparently. When working with an idea I almost never refer to any source material for posturing or correctness.As a result, things end up being a little off most of the time. Sometimes styles will mesh oddly as well. Part of a drawing will look mid-cartoony while other parts are kind more refined. I want everything to look tight in my drawings but also want them to have the heart of a doodle.

Regarding art and society, there is no great purpose for my work. I merely hope that the drawings function well as drawings, meaning they are interesting to look at, descriptive, moody, and look nice hanging in interiors. I think that a good picture is a great thing.

bio:

Sean Alexander lives on his mom’s rental farm in Longbranch, Washington. From 2006 to 2008 he co-owned a small, progressive art space in Tacoma called ‘The Helm.’ His hobbies and creative ventures include making pictures, writing songs, watching football, playing scrabble, making coffee, drinking juice and spending time with his girlfriend. His most recent exhibition took place at Public Space One in Iowa City. He is currently brainstorming for future projects and enjoying spending time with good people again.

We love the Bus

We hope you can make it to the third Olympia in a Can event at Grey this Wednesday at 6pm! There will be music, awards and talk about legislators! For more information go to the Washington Bus' blog by clicking here.

5 x 5 Submission 87 - Anne Cho

Anne Cho
Anne Cho's website

5 x 5 Submission 86 - Marie Gagnon

Marie Gagnon
Marie Gagnon's website
Bio
Marie is a painter, culture warrior and an avid observer. She was born to a painter and a physician and grew up in Western MA. Her first painting lessons came from her mother. There were many stops and starts in Marie's journey as a painter as she struggled with the practicality of pursuing such a life. But the pull of her passion was strong and at 36 she completed her BFA in painting at the University of New Hampshire. Marie currently has a studio in the 619 Western building here in Seattle.

5 x 5 Submission 85 - Jim Cleary

Jim Cleary

Biography

Jim Cleary is an amateur photographer whose interest was sparked by an unexpected Nikon D40 camera from Santa in 2008. After graduating from college at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC in 2008, Jim moved to Seattle to pursue a career in marketing and explore the west coast. He was born in Detroit, MI but grew up in Charlotte, NC. Jim enjoys exploring new places - especially by road trip - photographing his travels along the way.

Jim began shooting photographs at college in the mountains of North Carolina. He photographed his travels throughout the South, followed by trips to the Midwest, Hawaii, British Columbia, Scandinavia and Tokyo. Jim enjoys living in the Pacific Northwest because of its seemingly endless supply of photo opportunities.

Jim enjoys the minimalist aspects of landscape as well as the simple thrill of capturing a spectacular moment in time. He is excited to continue learning about photography techniques while exploring additional parts of the world and taking photos along the way.

5 x 5 Submission 84 - Elise Richman

Elise Richman
Elise Richman's website
BIOGRAPHY
Elise Richman received a BFA from the University of Washington and an MFA from American University. She has shown extensively in the Mid-Atlantic and Northwest regions in commercial galleries, university galleries, and alternative art spaces. Her work is part of private collections in a number of cities including Washington, DC, Baltimore MD, New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, and Seattle, WA. Elise is an Assistant Professor of Art at the University of Puget Sound. She lives and works in Tacoma, WA

5 x 5 Submission 83 - Tamara Stephas

Tamara Stephas
Tamara Stephas' website
About My Work

We have been shaped by our environment for millennia. Likewise we shape our environment in return. Since the first pit was dug to trap a mastodon, we have been clearing fields, erecting walls, building dams, adopting or exterminating entire species.

In the context of this era of breathtaking change, I am compelled to examine the relationship between humans and our environment in my artwork.

Sometimes that relationship is benign and sheltering, sometimes it is one-sided or antagonistic. Often it is ambiguous. I am interested in how our architectural spaces reflect us. I am likewise interested in the tension between the built and the grown, the manmade and the natural. That is why my landscapes display confusion between a bucolic natural scene and the other side of the gallery wall; and why my sculptural houses grow legs.

Artist Bio

Like many in the Northwest, I am influenced by a mixture of urban and rural culture: mountains and freeway interchanges; hiking and bicycling and digital algorithms. My art and the themes that concern me reflect these influences.

Originally from Vancouver BC, I grew up in Oregon and studied art and computer science in Oregon and Toronto. After realizing that traditional artistic mediums were even more intriguing to me than computer graphics, I studied for several years at Gage Academy of Art, and now live in Seattle. I work in a variety of media, primarily oil painting and wood sculpture.

5 x 5 Submission 82 - Loewyn Young

Loewyn Young
I am engulfed by the idea of suffering and where the motivation in causing it comes from. Fruit is my victim, because it is miraculous and beautiful and patient. It’s important to me that this work is open to interpretation, but for me this series evokes feelings of empathy and also satisfaction.

Loewyn was born in Winnipeg Manitoba on January 7^th, 1983. After 13 years in Massachusetts her mother relocated her and her sister to Washington, far far away from their father. Eventually settled in Shoreline Loewyn struggled to meet people she could relate to and make new friends. She first entered her school’s darkroom at age fourteen and has since dedicated herself to voraciously studying the art of photography. For her, photography has become a tool not only for capturing the unfolding story of her own life, but also a voice for the often macabre meditations that would otherwise remain dormant in her mind. She is a Master silver gelatin printer and is equally proficient with color and digital.

5 x 5 Submission 81 - Anouk Rawkson

Anouk Rawkson
Anouk Rawkson's website
The artist featured here, Anouk Rawkson has been well-received within Seattle’s artistic community. Over the past couple of years, his work has been shown with great success in various area galleries and stores.

His art is best associated with the Lowbrow visual art movement, with various influences ranging from punk music and underground comics to B-movies and other subcultures. As a kind of rebellion against the classics, such art is also recognized as having a distinct sense of humor. In fact, Rawkson’s goal with his art is to express his sense of irony, the darker subtext underneath an initially perceived innocent image.

“First and foremost, when people first look at my art, I want them to feel happy,” Rawkson says. “But then when they get closer and really look at the details of it, the darker side of the cuteness, I want it to make them think.”
Unable to confine his creativity to just one medium, Rawkson has also devoted much time to the creation of a line of plushies/voodoo dolls. He is also planning sometime in the near future to design and attach his name to a line of apparel, handbags and other accessories.