John Casey, Jane Elliott, Bert Bergen, Jake Watling and Heidi Cregge
Artists are always looking of ways to get paid. By “getting paid” I am not solely talking about getting handed grubby cash for our work (although that is arguably the best way). I’m talking about really getting rewarded. The best rewards are receiving acknowledgment in a field where acknowledgment is often only available at a distance. Like, by gallery goers who have little to no relationship with the artist. Every little bit of reward is necessary in order to help us float from one island of hope to the next, because, brother, it is tough out there. As an artist, we search a dark ocean of isolation for bright beacons of community and appreciation and fun. And what about art appreciators who want to experience one-on-one relationships with artists, but have no venue to be connected with the person making the work? It is armed with this agenda that we have launched Drawing Wednesdays at Levende in Old Oakland.
Dave Higgins, Alissa Goss, John Casey and Brük Dunbar, Jane Elliott, David Seiler and Bert Bergen
As I write this, Drawing Wednesday is in its third month and every week it gets a little bit more popular. 827 Washington Street is where you will find us between the hours of 4 and 7 (Happy Hour includes $3 draft beer) at Levende, a super-classy joint in what is one of the nicest neighborhoods in our fair city. The line-up is different each week as ten to fifteen Bay Area artists meet on a long table to scratch out some Live Art for the gathered host and commune with each other. For a brief and shining moment, the bar is transformed into a critically massive studio space where art is not something displayed in a gallery, but is actually a living thing integral to a new and yet strangely familiar vision of urban community.
Drawings by John Casey, Jake Watling and Jane Elliott.
And the rewards are reciprocal. Want to start or add to an art collection for less than, gulp, a $100? Some of the most critically acknowledged local talent is there, selling their work for beer trade! As co-host of the event and organizer of the artists, I want to foster a unique and special sense of inclusion and acceptance. Don’t be intimidated by the group setting: If you are an artist and would like to be a part of the event, come on by and introduce yourself. A lot of our artists are Swarm artists (and staffers!) so it makes sense that I will be running regular and exclusive updates about this event on this blog. For a complete look at the drawings, check out http://www.oaklandsweetart.info. Hope to see you at Drawing Wednesdays at Levende!
