Gallery Stroll – July 2011
Art
I often hear people speak of old businesses that no longer exist in Salt Lake. The conversation is always the same: “Damn! I wish… was still around—they were the best!” I ask you this: If they were the best, why’d we let them go? If the place was that amazing, why didn’t their loyal patrons rise up, raise some funds, call their congressman or create a human shield?
I don’t really like the “what if we had” or “why did it have to happen” questions. I’m more of a “what now?” person. What businesses do I need to support now so they don’t suffer the same fate? Soap box and drum roll please… Citizens of Salt Lake, the Kayo Gallery needs our help!
The Kayo Gallery has been a highlight of the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll for the last seven years, first under the direction of Kenny Riches in its original location at 315 E. Broadway (300 S.) where Nobrow now resides, and now at its current location at 177 E. Broadway next to Frosty Darling. Shilo Jackson purchased the gallery from Riches four years ago.
“I really respected what Kenny had started and had a deep appreciation for what he wanted for Salt Lake,” Jackson says. “It was never about turning a profit—owning a gallery is a labor of love. I do it because I’m passionate about the arts and I think this space is important for Salt Lake.”
Filling a special niche in the Salt Lake market, Kayo focuses on progressive, contemporary, cutting-edge art and promotes local and emerging artists. How do we keep Kayo around for years to come? It’s as simple as a dollar per person. On average, Kayo receives 300 people through their doors every month. If each person made a one dollar donation as they entered, the gallery could become self-sustaining.
One dollar keeps the lights on and the doors open. One dollar insures that Kayo can continue to highlight local artists and book national artists so they can host the exceptional art community Salt Lake City has to offer.
Once you’re ready to move from a patron of the arts to a collector, Kayo has several modestly priced, annual shows. Box, Paper, Scissors in July, Small Works in December and the Knock Out Anniversary Round Show in February. All shows feature past and current Kayo artists and the price points are ridiculously reasonable! Box, Paper, Scissors is Kayo’s annual fundraiser, and it will be held Friday, July 15 from 6-9 p.m. featuring cigar boxes refurbished by established and emerging artists.
A silent auction format follows with the boxes remaining shut during the bidding. At the end of the evening, the winning bidder gets to open the box and see what treasures they purchased. The event is free, but door donations are encouraged.
To hear more from Jackson about the gallery’s future check out SLUG Soundwaves podcast on July 11.
