The pulse of any city lies in the heartbeat of its Main Street. People travel on these thoroughfares all hours of the day and night--attracted by a plethora of eateries, offices and retail spaces that line these city streets. Amidst these thriving communities, however, there are always a handful of storefronts in transition; vacant spaces with empty windows that sap energy from an otherwise vibrant scene.
From Seattle to San Francisco, New York to L.A -- major metropolises across the country are exploring creative ways to transform these empty spaces into works of art -- literally.
Putting Art In View in Danbury
At 325 Main Street in Danbury, you’ll find an example of this innovative approach to integrating arts into the community. This retail space, on loan from Mark Nolan and The Nolan Companies, provides over-sized windows that are perfectly suited for an organization known as The In View Project, to showcase artwork from local artists; but unlike a traditional gallery exhibition where the art faces the interior -- these are positioned to face the street. This means that the is accessible to everyone -- not just those who would venture into a gallery.
“The In View Project was developed to bring artist out of their studios and into the community. We are able to provide artists of all levels an opportunity to exhibit their work in a high traffic venue that they may not normally get a chance to do unless they are represented by a gallery,” says Brian Walters II, curator for the In View Project.
Through the end of March, a partnership with Bridgeport muralist and painter Cris Dam is brightening up this location near the intersection of Kennedy Ave. His colorful, large format, totem-inspired pieces are on display alongside some of his new work — inspired by artists like Dan Flavin, James Terrell and Robert Irwin. Dam is in his second year of exploring the use of light as an element of his mixed media pieces.
Empty storefronts are not unlike a blank canvases -- and they have always intrigued Dam. Impressed by the location of the space and the number of people who would be impacted by his art, Dam was honored to be part of the In View Project. Dam's work has been exhibited internationally over the past decade, with a strong focus in New York City and Berlin.
Influenced by being born in Alaska, raised in Spain, and educated in New York City, Dam’s imagery combines diverse landscapes and universal patterns found everywhere in nature to connect all cultures. Taking root in organic abstraction, he combines exotic imagery with Pop colors and modern lines, and his use of color-blending creates infinite depth out of simple silhouettes. More information on Dam can be found is on https://crisdam.com.
“Art engages the community and starts dialogues between people that may not normally take place in our day to day lives. Putting art "In View" is an amazing catalyst or conversation, and we encourage viewers to do so,” say Walters. Of the In View Project, Walters continues, “The secondary objective is to assist local artists build their resume and give them the exposure that they are due.”
The In View Project is working on upcoming exhibits in two new spaces that have recently become available, and they envision a lively exhibition schedule as the project continues to grow. As such, they’re always looking for artists, venues in downtown Danbury or others who are interested in supporting their mission. Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/INVIEWDanbury for contact information and to learn about upcoming exhibits.