Photos by Animal
This week I participated in the Pop Up Show at Excelsior Barber Shop. It was a great opportunity to meet other artists, get my artwork seen and do good “stuff” for the community. It’s called “Pop Up” because the event was rather spontaneous and very quickly organized, mmm actually in under 5 days! The idea for the show began when NY artist Rory Golden visited NC this week to speak at the Durham Arts Council. This is how he describes the genesis of the project:
“I got my hair cut by Howard this week on my visit to Durham. He is a wonderful person and I was inspired by meeting him. His space is awesome. I asked him if he’d host a show, bring in people to exhibit art and have a party. He said yes! It’s an opportunity to create community, support Howard and have a great time in a space filled with artwork – for sale!”
In addition to the art show, Howard ran a hair cut special – Men’s Haircuts $12 all day on the day of the show! Proceeds from art sales went to Howard in support of his 40 year commitment to his business and for allowing us to invade his great space and hang our artwork.
Howard is cutting Oliver's hair.
In addition to being an inspired event to help artists and the community, this was also a great excuse for a Tuesday evening party! Thank goodness DeadEye Jack was in town ( thanks to Lonerider Beer for the brew) to keep our thirst under control. Adrian and Rory, the event coordinators, brought food and goodies and the remaining supplies were either given to Howard, guests, homeless folks, or saved for future events.
The hipster Pop Up Art Scene
Later that evening we strolled down Main Street to the The Pinhook and sat a spell waiting for Tuesday’s Open Mic Night to start. My new friend, Jean Caffeine (recently from Austin, TX) took the stage to entertain a small crowd with her song “Lucky Penny.”
Jean Caffeine singing "Lucky Penny"