4th & Tilghman / Allentown, Pa
Fuse Art Infrastructure is hosting a new exhibit tomorrow (09/19/13). The place? Cigar Factory. I was invited to a sneak preview. Already planning on stopping by the exhibit, could not turn it down.
The Cigar Factory is, literally, an old factory. It is being put to new and creative uses and given new life! The gallery / art studios is only a part of this new life. Tomorrow, they are having the first 3rd Thursday night. Think it is fairly self-explanatory here.
Several weeks ago, I attended a preview of the studios / gallery before any artists were residents. Today, I had a chance to meet some of them and even help out a little. Minor Gustavo Matarrita sent me an invite today. When I arrived, showed me some of the studios of artists who have moved in and will be part of the show.
Walking around on the first floor, I realized this has a lot of potential! Studios range in size from larger that would be great for sculpture or large paintings to smaller spaces.
The Cigar Factory is, literally, an old factory. It is being put to new and creative uses and given new life! The gallery / art studios is only a part of this new life. Tomorrow, they are having the first 3rd Thursday night. Think it is fairly self-explanatory here.
Several weeks ago, I attended a preview of the studios / gallery before any artists were residents. Today, I had a chance to meet some of them and even help out a little. Minor Gustavo Matarrita sent me an invite today. When I arrived, showed me some of the studios of artists who have moved in and will be part of the show.
Walking around on the first floor, I realized this has a lot of potential! Studios range in size from larger that would be great for sculpture or large paintings to smaller spaces.
Now that I (hopefully) have your complete attention....
Why would you be interested in stopping the opening? First off, the Cigar Factory has a combined atmosphere. The combination of modern day and history. The modern day part includes the usual: paint, light fixtures, etc. The history? Duct work still hangs from when the place was an actual cigar factory (no joke here). As you can see, some of the walls were intentionally left unpainted / wallpapered. The first time I was here it was after nightfall. You could feel the history of this place. Almost see / hear the spirits that may still be watching. OK, maybe a little dramatic. I just tell you what I experience.
Another reason to stop by? Meeting the artists. I know, obvious on this one.
More reasons: Walking to the different studios and seeing the contrast of styles and genres. Today, I saw everything from abstract to realism, Fantasy Sculptures to the start of an alternate, geometric reality. Sense the history of the building. Another obvious one: support the local arts / art scene. Like every exhibit: you never know when you will find something for an empty space on your walls. Or a perfect center piece. With the holidays coming up, how about doing a little shopping already?
I am not trying to "sell" you on anything. Just giving you a few ideas. Honest! you believe me, right? Neither do I....
Joking part over, time to get serious again.
The Cigar Factory is another piece of Allentown's puzzle. A much needed piece. The arena and other projects are what you mainly hear about in the media. These are great! Especially if you have the money to blow at the places. Third Thursday and the Cigar Factory will bring you a chance at getting to experience a part of the city's history and local art at one time. Don't worry, like almost all local galleries; no cover / door charge. Bring your wallet, just in case you do find something....
Curious? More info:
https://www.facebook.com/events/501212693303258/?ref=2
Why would you be interested in stopping the opening? First off, the Cigar Factory has a combined atmosphere. The combination of modern day and history. The modern day part includes the usual: paint, light fixtures, etc. The history? Duct work still hangs from when the place was an actual cigar factory (no joke here). As you can see, some of the walls were intentionally left unpainted / wallpapered. The first time I was here it was after nightfall. You could feel the history of this place. Almost see / hear the spirits that may still be watching. OK, maybe a little dramatic. I just tell you what I experience.
Another reason to stop by? Meeting the artists. I know, obvious on this one.
More reasons: Walking to the different studios and seeing the contrast of styles and genres. Today, I saw everything from abstract to realism, Fantasy Sculptures to the start of an alternate, geometric reality. Sense the history of the building. Another obvious one: support the local arts / art scene. Like every exhibit: you never know when you will find something for an empty space on your walls. Or a perfect center piece. With the holidays coming up, how about doing a little shopping already?
I am not trying to "sell" you on anything. Just giving you a few ideas. Honest! you believe me, right? Neither do I....
Joking part over, time to get serious again.
The Cigar Factory is another piece of Allentown's puzzle. A much needed piece. The arena and other projects are what you mainly hear about in the media. These are great! Especially if you have the money to blow at the places. Third Thursday and the Cigar Factory will bring you a chance at getting to experience a part of the city's history and local art at one time. Don't worry, like almost all local galleries; no cover / door charge. Bring your wallet, just in case you do find something....
Curious? More info:
https://www.facebook.com/events/501212693303258/?ref=2