During Artwalk, I showed my work in Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke Street) with three other artists: Bronwen Belenkie, Clive Tucker and Mandara Lebovitz. Our exhibition will continue through April 28th. The gallery is open 10am-3pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Background
The building in which I exhibited was recently bought by husband-wife duo Rainer (pronounced Rye-ner) and Helen Daniels. There is a cafe in one half of the building and an open gallery space in the other half (behind the white bars which were removed before the show).
Moving Day
The Thursday before Artwalk was our set-up day. It began with a knock on the door from Rainer Daniels and together we moved Relationship Study in his pick-up truck, upside-down. The table fit neatly between the wheel wells and was a few inches of the closed tailgate. The rest of my work, including one of my latest pieces, There is Not Always Light at the End of the Tunnel, was loaded into another vehicle.
Setting Up the Gallery
After we got my work into the gallery, Bronwen and Mandara arrived with their 2D art and begun to install their work on the walls with nails. There was a moment when we all watched as Bronwen’s young son, who was helping, set down his claw hammer on Relationship Study in what seemed like slow motion. Luckily, there was no damage and we decided that it would be a good idea to cover the table with moving blankets.
Last to arrive was Clive. His colourful ceramics filled the large shelf unit and a table at the end of the space.
Together, our work filled the floorspace and shelves and covered the walls.
The Front Windows
Gracing the left front window and enticing passers-by were Clive’s Triceratops, Bronwen’s Looking Up At Alders and my shelf Deconstructed.
In the opposite window you can see Mandara’s Dragon River and my sculpture Something Like That.
This is the final slide from my PechaKucha presentation.
I had hoped to have the video of my PechaKucha presentation by now, but I do not have it. I will post it when I get it.
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 
I love it when artist get together to show work. there is so much talent in the any area that no one is aware of. Art is everywhere. I am glad to see you had the chance to show your work in the Art walk.
Steve
I am waiting for your chit chat video…
Hi Steve,
Artwalk was a great experience for me, not just to exhibit my work, but also to talk with people doing the Artwalk and the other artists.
Chris, who is also eager to see the PechaKucha (Japanese for chit-chat) video
Great overview Chris. I could tell many tales of slow-motion replays very similar to yours. I am sure it wasn’t the case here, but for the most part over my years of doing shows I am amazed at how people really don’t give a second thought at times at the love and care we put into the pieces they are checking out. Granted it’s not wall art and it is meant to be used, but for the love of Pete, no kids with sticky fingers, or don’t sit on the pieces with sharp things sticking out of your pockets, and just because it’s a flat surface does NOT mean you need to drop your purse on it so you can write down how it’s finished, and etc and etc and etc! :D Whew, need to take a deep breath there…Seriously though I love it!
Hi Todd,
Other than that one incident, I noticed that everyone was very mindful of the furniture. Some children got the idea to use the table as a writing surface (writing on paper on the table, not the table itself), but every time the parent was there to steer the child away. In defence of Bronwen, she was holding a painting when her son set down the hammer.
I encouraged people to touch the furniture, and everyone did and I enjoyed watching their reactions to the tactile qualities. I did find the furniture (the underside of Relationship Study’s edge especially) did get a little sticky/grimy, so I cleaned the furniture after the first day; I might have during the day too, but there wasn’t time. All in all, working the show was very enjoyable.
Chris