It looked at this stage like somebody’s living room was being redecorated. Ceiling tiles sat in a neat stack next to a stepladder at the center of the small, out-of-way shopping center storage room. Freshly painted walls gleamed.
“We’ve been cleaning and painting and getting things ready to go,” Julie Marshall said. “It’s been fun to see how the whole business looks. We started looking [for a place for the gallery] in November and got in with the paint last week. It’s a process.”
Once completed, this process will produce a new art gallery where Dunwoody artists can show and sell their work. The Dunwoody Fine Arts Association is calling its new showplace a “pop-up” gallery because it’s intended to be open only for a few months, starting in February.
“We should have some jewelry and paintings and hopefully some sculpture,” Marshall said. “It’ll be fun. It’ll be a place in the community [for association members] to display work and hopefully people will come see it.”
The new gallery – being cleaned and decorated by volunteers from the association – will be up and running in conjunction with the group’s annual “Art Walk” through the community.
During the walk, which starts Feb. 1 and continues through the month, local artists display their work on the walls of dozens of local businesses. The association has put together the event each of the past several years, Marshall said.
“Our goal is to bring awareness of the arts to our community and to showcase the terrific talent of artists right here in Dunwoody,” Susan Proctor, president of the association, said in a press release.
“Throughout the month, all of us will find our shopping to be a more beautiful experience, thanks to the artists who have created stunning watercolors, oils, acrylics, pen and ink, and collages, as well as the businesses that are showcasing them.”
Marshall, a painter and member of the association, said about 200 pieces of art will be displayed during the citywide exhibition. At least 30 businesses and public offices have signed up to show works. All the works will be offered for sale, the association said.
“I think the businesses feel happy to see some new work on their walls,” Marshall said. “All artists have works in their basements and are happy to get it out for people to see. At least people who come in for a dentist appointment have something new to see.”
Dunwoody Fine Arts Association “Art Walk” and “pop-up gallery”
When: Artworks are displayed at various Dunwoody businesses in February. Gallery holds opening party Feb. 23 and opens to the public Feb. 25.
How much: Free
For more information:
www.dunwoodyfineart.org
Jennifer Howard, financial advisor for Edward Jones, said her office has taken part in the association’s show for the past three years and will again this year.
“I was an early adapter,” she said. “It’s worked out great. I really enjoy it. It’s something to show my clients. I get to meet some new artists. It’s a very nice way to give back.”
Last year, she had two landscape paintings hanging in the office, she said. “I’m a big nature fan, so the landscapes work well,” she said.
The association’s temporary gallery will present additional works for sale in the small room off the Courtyard at Dunwoody Village. “We’re hoping to get everyone’s work in there,” Marshall said during a chat at a local coffee shop.
The association plans to launch the gallery with a party Feb. 23 and then open it to the public on Feb. 25, Marshall said. The 1,000-square-foot gallery, installed in what had been a storage room at Dunwoody Village, is scheduled to remain open at least through the end of April, Marshall said.
“Hopefully, it won’t close,” she said.