Last year, in honor of National Bike Month, I took a group of friends on a Gallery Stroll bike ride. Later, one friend called it a Gallery Roll. At first, I thought she was just very clever—which she is, but when I researched it further, I found that Salt Lake Gallery Association has been officially changing their name every May, for the last 10 years, to Gallery Roll. Their focus remains the same—to guide you through the participating gallery spaces and incoming exhibits—but they, and I, encourage you to take advantage of this very bike-able community and celebrate Bike Month by going for a Gallery Roll.

 

May’s Roll will take place on Friday, May 15 from 6–9 p.m. This year, I have partnered with the folks at the Salt Lake Gallery Roll to guide a Gallery Roll Group Ride. Interested parties should meet at 5:45 p.m. at the UTA Bike Bonanza, taking place at the Gallivan Center from 4–8 p.m.

 

My route starts on the East Bench and works its way Downtown and over to the West Side (gotta love the downhill).  Estimated time of arrival is posted in case you want to jump in on the course throughout the night.

 

Finch Lane / Art Barn – 1340 E. 100 S.
Estimated meet-up time: 6:15 p.m. 
Finch Lane has a rich heritage in the community and is programmed by the Salt Lake City Arts Council. May’s exhibit includes quilted and embellished batiks by Anne Muñoz, photography by Scott Peterson and wood sculpture by Adam Thomas.

 

Alpine Art – 430 E. South Temple 
Estimated meet-up time: 7 p.m. 
People aren’t always born artists—the Late Bloomer art show features people discovering their artistic talents later on in life.

 

Mod a go-go – 242 E. South Temple 
Estimated meet-up time: 7:30 p.m. 
Part furniture store, part art gallery and full on fun, Mod a go-go has a collective of artists that work on themed shows each month. May brings us the Geek Show, so come geek out on all things pop culture.

 

Urban Arts Gallery – 137 South Rio Grande Street
Estimated meet-up time: 8 p.m. 
Whether you’re celebrating “May the 4th be with you” or are here for Gallery Stroll, the Urban Arts Gallery has dedicated the whole month of shows, events and cosplay competitions to all things Star Wars, superheroes and villains. For a whole list of activities, visit their website at utaharts.org.

 

Art Access – 230 S. 500 W. 
Estimated meet-up time: 8:30 p.m.
Art Access’ annual 300 Plates show is the whole reason I can afford original art. With art pieces priced as little as $75, the 300 Plates show features work from over 100 artists creating art on recycled printing plates. This is not your momma’s antique plate collection. For early purchasing opportunities and info on this annual fundraiser, visit
accessart.org.

 

The Gallery Roll was my favorite Gallery Stroll of 2014, and based off of this lineup, I’m sure 2015 won’t disappoint. Be it by bike, car, foot or pedicab, don’t let this month pass by before you go out and enjoy the vibrant art scene in Salt Lake City. For a complete list of participating galleries visit gallerystroll.org.

Enjoy the Roll!