Downtown Farmington is getting a new art exhibition space, if only for the weekend. The good news is that should the kickstART Farmington pop-up art gallery drum up enough interest, it could lead to a more permanent location further down the line.
The Pop-Up Art Exhibition presented by kickstART Farmington opens with a reception this Thursday, July 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. and will remain open to the public throughout the weekend, coinciding with the Greater Farmington Founders Festival.
"Our ultimate aim is to either build or redevelop a space that allows us to have an art gallery, perhaps a shop with work from local artists, a performance space, and to host films and small theater productions," says Dwayne Hayes, executive director of kickstART Farmington.
"This allows us to pop in and get the ball rolling."
The pop-up gallery will feature the work of local artist Aj Cooke as well as an educational display of the artist’s photo acrylic transfer process.
The space itself is owned by former mayor Tom Buck, who offered it to kickstART for the weekend. Buck is currently renovating the former office building.
It’s a good time for a pop-up art gallery. The Greater Farmington Founders Festival will draw all sorts of visitors to the city. The weekend-long festival features food and drink vendors, live entertainment, fireworks, markets, and much more.
"The pop-up helps us learn if people want to see more permanent art galleries downtown, if that’s something they value," Hayes says.
"Our view is that the artistic and creative life helps who we are as people, to understand each other, build relationships with one another."
The Pop-Up Art Exhibition presented by kickstART Farmington is located at 33304 Grand River Ave. in downtown Farmington.
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