by Kirby Lindsay, posted 2 January 2012
On January 6th, from 6p – 9p, the Fremont First Friday Art Walk (FFF) will kick off its new year with an added venue (High Dive,) fresh art (of course!,) and a new Director leading the way!
Mollie Bryan has agreed to step in and keep Art Walk marching forward. While an artist, Bryan also brings considerable skills as a curator and organizer to the monthly event.
To See (And Fill) A Need
“I was a massage therapist,” Bryan explained. She went to work at a clinic near Green Lake, where a single piece of art hung on the walls. Over her years there, she coordinated a regular art show, rotating and organizing the artists
“It was really great to work with the artists,” Bryan recalled, and she learned from them – both good and bad. Primarily, she related, she learned the importance of being on-time, doing her own installations (as a venue curator,) being respectful and bringing equipment to hang her works, when venues prefer it.
She left massage when she decided to follow her art. “I feel a little timid about selling myself,” she admitted, but curating shows helped her learn the necessity. She has done photography for several years, and added painting about four years ago. “Art has always been very important to me,” she admitted, “art and music.” Lately she has done two-dimensional sculptures using recycled cassette tapes. Her work has been displayed at Neptune Coffee, Forza Coffee (U-Village,) and The Triple Door.
“I like staying busy,” Bryan explained. She found out about the Fremont Art Walk – and the search for a new director – while exploring the Artists Trust website. “It’s a really good resource for artists,” she said, “usually there are about 250 opportunities,” on the site. For her, FFF offers a philanthropic outlet, a chance to learn and develop her skills, and perhaps provide a stepping stone. “I enjoy the opportunities it’s going to give me,” she said.
To Push The Possibilities
For the future of FFF, Bryan wants to see more kids get involved, and pets. “I’m thinking about the people that go to the Art Walk,” she said, and about what brought them – and will bring them again. “I want to make it something that will draw people to it,” she explained.
She mentioned having a kids’ coloring contest for the next re-design of the FFF handouts – plus more music, more buskers and live art. She mentioned the possibilities of live body painting in June, a knit-wear flea market, a hula-hoop building booth, and setting up crafts booths either on Friday, or attending the Sunday Market to sell crafts to raise money to build up the Art Walk.
“I see ways to make it easier for me,” Bryan allowed, using tools established by predecessors Melanie Masson and LaRae Lobdell, and making them work better for her talents. “These first couple of months will be cold, and not good for outdoor events,” she observed, which will give her time to line up plans for spring and summer.
Bryan has already begun to explore the area, seeking new venues and potential sponsors. “I think there are a lot of businesses that are untapped,” she said. For businesses that either can’t display, or don’t want to, they could come on board as sponsors – and market themselves to Art Walk patrons. She plans to put together a formal benefits package although, right now, she promised any interested sponsors undying gratitude and, she mused, “maybe some cookies.”
To Give Thanks for Melanie Masson, And Her Hard Work
Her first order of business, Bryan acknowledged, is finding a way to adequately show the gratitude of the Art Walk community to her immediate predecessor – Melanie Masson. Bryan knows that a big ‘Thank You’ is in order for all the hard work Masson contributed to build up the Art Walk.
“I like the press releases, and the layout of the website,” Bryan praised, “I like how she tries to get visual images for the website, and press releases.” Masson built strong connections among a large community of Fremont, as well as with directors/organizers of Art Walks in other neighborhoods. “I want to build those relationships too,” Bryan declared, and continue to grow the community of artists, venues and attendees for Fremont’s First Fridays.
As always, Bryan directed everyone to find out what they can see – venues and artists – for January 6th, by looking at the website. She also said, “I’m all ears!” for any suggestions, comments or concerns about First Fridays, “Contact me with any ideas,” at fremontfirstfriday@gmail.com
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©2012 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.