Chris Writing Anything

Interview someone — a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mailman — and write a post based on their responses.

If you were to travel Main Street, along the dated buildings of Green Bay, Wisconsin, you might come across a quaint art gallery.  Okay, the Art Garage, which is today’s subject, isn’t quite on the main drag.  Instead, residing in a brick and mortar structure, this art showcase is set on a very modest side street, one only steps away from the city’s vital artery.  Today, as I’m thinking of that bare bones setting,  and using the gallery attendant as reference, I’m writing about this Green Bay business.

I have to say, as I chuckle at today’s WordPress prompt, I had fun acting like a journalist.  And Lindsey, my interviewee, well, she was ultra professional.  So, being a rookie, I hope my attempt at journalism strikes you as authentic.

First off, Lindsey has only been in her current position for three months. While being part of  UNLV’s graduate program, where she majored in English with a minor in art, the president of the Art Garage invited her to work for the gallery.

“It’s a rather complicated story.”  She had said.  In the end, after helping the president in other locations, and after seeing this spot’s interior space, which she mentioned she had absolutely loved, she accepted the job in Green Bay.

The Green Bay Art Garage has been open for 16 years.  Originally, it was a collaborative studio space for UWGB art graduates.  They raised funds, and, with the help of the community, it became a public showcase.

Today, as I asked Lindsey about the toughest part of her job, she gave a rather arcane reply, “Catching up.”  As she explained, I understood her sentiment.  She mentiond that she wanted to appeal to a more diverse demographic…and she wanted to keep the doors open.

On the flip side, and I, myself, can understand her words, when asked what the best part of her job was, her response was definitive, “Engaging with the artists.”

As proof of that fact, a group of artists were celebrating the opening of an exhibit.  Their enthusiasm and joy were contagious. 

And as I think of that, when I asked if she believed the gallery had a positive impact on local artists, her response was exuberant, “Definitely!”

As I conducted the interview, it was clear that her statement wasn’t simply words.  She believed the Art Garage was a place where people could express themselves, and others, who might not have that chance, could be exposed to modern day artwork.

When I asked Lindsey about the future of the Art Garage, besides hosting exhibits in other venues, and an expansion of the gallery’s exhibit space, which would allow national artists a chunk of the showcase floor, her main answer was that she wanted to change the community’s perception of art.

I feel I should mention, as I had commented on the Art Garage’s efforts to host exhibits in other venues, ones where the artwork would be exposed to more foot traffic, anyways, the gallery receives money from renting space and commissions on sales. So, I understand Lindsey’s motivation.  Getting people excited about art would maintain its existence…oh, and yes, there are also workshops in the building.

As I finish this post, I’d like to make a personal comment.  I love the Art Garage.  Here in Green Bay, there aren’t many places to take in fresh talents. This small place, at least in my mind, provides an invaluable service.  I thank Lindsey for her efforts, and I really hope that her enthusiasm draws more people to the gallery.

Have an Excellent Day!