Gallery Stroll – September 2011

September is a lovely month, but it also represents the end of summer, pool parties and vacations. At least I can count on the monthly Gallery Stroll to mix it up a bit. The ever changing and expanding list of artists, venues and subject matter will keep you guessing. Fortunately for you, SLUG can point you in the right direction.

Looking for zombies? We’ve got zombies. Craving human food? We can help you there. Or maybe you just want to be educated and entertained—there’s always a little something for everyone when you go out gallery strolling.

I can’t find a single person who doesn’t love the big and beautiful new Whole Foods building at Trolley Square with its giant ceilings, colorful displays and quiet nooks.  Whole Foods prides itself on being an active participant in the success of its community, which makes it a perfect place to showcase local art. September’s show will feature the work of SLUG Photographer Bethany Fischer, who shoots photos under the name Patiri Photography.

Fischer focuses her camera on urban life—the beauty buried in the grittiness.  Reminiscent of the opening scene in the 1985 film Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Fischer tugs her bottom lip as she says, “I just love to photograph rappers.” Fischer’s brother, Daniel Fischer (aka local producer Fisch), and his friends have been a great inspiration to her, and through her camera lens, she has forged her own path while keeping close to her childhood friends and hip hop roots.

A special artist’s reception will take place Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 6-8 p.m. at 544 S. 700 E. Free admission, local food and coffee, plus local art and a splash of urban grittiness equals a not-to-be-missed event.

Some days I feel like a zombie, but since zombies are popping up all over the scene these days, at least I’ll be in good company. Give Us BRAINS!!! is the September show at the The Gray Wall Gallery at 351 W. Pierpont Ave. “[The show] highlights the many facets of zombie culture, art and quality of life. From migration to diet to social life, no brain will be left un-eaten,” says Gallery Manager Tamara Fox.

The opening will be Saturday, Sept. 3 from 6-9 p.m. and hangs until Sunday, Sept. 25. Participating artists include, but are not limited to: Kat Martin, Adrian Prazen, Chauncey Secrist, Rachel and Leigh Kade and Tamara Fox. If you can’t make the opening reception because zombies sucked out your brain, stop by Wed. through Fri. from 6-8:30 p.m., Sat. from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. or Sun. from 12 p.m.–3 p.m.

Ulysses Salon prides itself on being a multi-faceted space with presentations of film, art, fashion and, of course, their fabulous, personal hair-stylings from highly credited stylists. This month, they host a special screening of Vidal Sassoon: The Movie, a film about how one man changed the world with a pair of scissors. Screening happens Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. at 629 S. State St. This event is free and open to the public.

Is there more? Of course! This is just a taste to sustain your cultural cravings—art is happening all the time. If you need a little more excitement, set aside the third Friday of every month and go for a stroll. Add a little color to your life and support your local art scene.