ART TOOTH GALLERY BUS
Did you miss it? We hope not, but if you did, here’s a re-cap of the Art Tooth Gallery tour bus that made 7 stops and took in a whirlwind of art in the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
Once we all got checked in, received our wristbands, it was time to hop on the Art Tooth Party Bus, sponsored by Artsy Scoop. Our first stop was at Arts Fort Worth (formally the Fort Worth Community Arts Center). Inside we see an impressive exhibit by The Sh’ma Project which is a collaboration with TCU & The Jewish Federation that will host future workshops “to students and anyone interested in learning from the Holocaust and when want stand up to hate, bias and genocide, helping all of us make our world a better place”.
Inside another gallery module there is an impressive installation by Jordan Vineyard. If you don’t know Jordan, you need to check out her art in-person, or at the very least, her website. The prosthetic silicone bandage clips with embedded video was striking and I could have stayed there for hours observing this wondrous exhibit. I highly recommend spending some time at Arts Fort Worth and visiting with the Exhibitions Manager, Robert Long.
After perusing the many halls of art throughout Arts Fort Worth, we are instructed that, “times up!” and we head back to the bus for round 2.
After a short drive, we arrived at William Campbell Gallery. Our 56 passenger bus unloads, and we enter the gallery/Fort Worth institution, originally established in 1974. We are greeted with a warm welcome and view the art of Frank X. Tolbert. The exhibit, titled “Live Wire” is comprised of large grackles. According to the Insta social post @Williamcampbellgallery, “Frank works on canvas in oil sticks, oil paints, and pencils. His technique has been referred to as “Tosco,” which in Spanish means “rough.” Frank’s work is very striking and vibrant, and many potential buyers could be seen snapping pictures to capture the moment (and maybe testing how their favorite piece would look in their home or office).
Upstairs at WCG, there is a great collection of art from a variety of artists that are represented by the gallery. I particularly like this space because there’s always something new by familiar artists and it feels like you’re in someone’s home due to is cozy and inviting ambience.
On our way out, I am reminded that the new sister space of William Campbell Gallery just opened a week earlier with a private preview. The new space is located on trendy Foch Street near the Museum District. I am told that the new space will feature larger works, and is currently hosting an exhibit by Paul Kremer. I look forward to getting over to the new location, and of course, I’ll share all the deets 😉
We gather onto the bus once again, with volunteers passing out cool beverages for the drive to the pop-up Fort Worth Art Collective show. We enter the space and immediately run into the head coordinator, Bernardo Vallarino, who also has work on view. If you’re not familiar with this art collective, it is described on its website as “a group of established professional artists from multiple disciplines and mediums who work together to show compelling raw art and talent in a variety of places.”
I meet one of the featured artists, Stormie Parker, and she tells me that she is known for her ceramic porcelain crackle rabbits. “Elmer” is on view today and for sale at a reasonable price with his cheeky personality shining through. Gosh, I wish I could get him!
I saw a long line of people coming out of a room and curiosity peeked ~ I wonder what art is in there!?! It turns out that the exhibit sprung for 2 cheese/veggie plates. You’d think there was filet minion in there, but after having a few beverages and no food, these trays were most welcomed and appreciated! Maybe Artsy Scoop will donate some bento boxes of snacks next Gallery night 🥂
Back onto the bus we go! The next stop is The Pool, in Near Southside. Despite what their name might lead you to believe, there are no water features here. Instead, guests are treated to a magnificent exhibition of glass sculptures made by a variety of artists at SiNaCa Studios.
The work is beautifully lit and displayed in this new community art space. A couple from our bus crew bought several pieces while they were there, which was a really exciting moment for them and for The Pool team as well! Since the show’s opening* just a short time ago, they have already sold a good amount of glass art, so if you are interested in getting some for yourself, I’d suggest heading over there soon.
*Artsy Scoop posted a more detailed article on the SiNaCa opening at The Pool, if you’re interested, read more here!
We stayed in the Near Southside area for our next set of visits. First, we exit the bus and head over to The Holly wine bar for our free complimentary glass of wine. Have I mentioned that there’s no shortage of yummy beverages on this Party Bus Art Tour? One passenger/art lover even shared some apple pie moonshine in test tubes, but I digress…
Next to the wine bar is a clay shop, Kendall Davis Clay, where you can make all kinds of ceramics! The owner informs me that she offers classes at the pottery studio, so I will definitely be going back to experience this and make something at one of her workshops.
Around the block, we head into Cufflink Art Gallery, where it seems we have intersected with another party bus hosted by Sasha Bass. The space is intimate and packed full of eager art enthusiasts, all clamoring to see the artwork of Adam Fung with his exhibit, “Possible Magic”. Adam’s pieces range in size and shape, but offer a continuity across the collection in the form of ice bergs, ghosts, moons, tree roots, rainbows, and gorgeous landscapes. The work is mesmerizing and there is a lot of buzz about how incredible this artist is.
Let’s just say, there were a lot of red dots on the walls when we were there, and it was still early in the evening! I spoke with Adam for a while and found him to be a kind soul who seemed deeply appreciative and humbled by all the attention and accolades he was receiving.
The Art Tooth peeps eventually gathered all of us back onto the bus, and we made our way downtown to Sundance Square, where there were three gallery openings.
First was Jay Wilkinson’s “Dang Good Candy” Gallery/Studio. This raw space featured an exhibit, “Exile” by Jesse Hernandez who is a well-known artist in Fort Worth. He created new work just for this show that ranged from a self-portrait to some gorgeous nudes. I asked him if he used models, and he proudly said, “Yes, and many of them have come by tonight”. The works are beautiful and Jesse is always a gracious man that never ceases to impress me.
Before heading over to the next space, I spot some Artsy Scoop Chardonnay that I donated to Jay (and to a few other Sundance Square gallery owners). Though I happen to know it’s some very good Napa Valley wine, I don’t dare drink my own supply, but no one says I enjoy a cup while I’m there, right? I’m always grateful for the support and love I’m receiving with Artsy Scoop and the gallerist’s assistance in getting my brand out there! Thank you, thank you!
When you walk into Bale Creek Allen Gallery, you are immediately greeted with great music, jovial people and fascinating art. Tonight, Bale is featuring artist Shelli Tollman. Shelli’s work is right up my alley. Quirky, fun, off-beat. One giant masterpiece that was hanging adjacent to the bar was a true marvel with five illuminated lightbulbs, a spray of sparkle roses, a scene of musical monkeys, and the ocean made up of piled oil paint that seemed to be sculpted onto the canvas. I’m obsessed. Also, my Birthday is next week if anyone needs some ideas….. just sayin’.
The last gallery on this stop is Love Texas Art. This new space is having its Grand Opening on this night! 1 word. WOW! The featured exhibit is by artist Saccharine Millenia and features a collection of her large, colorful disco balls. One unique thing about this gallery is that it has several nooks where you can lounge, read an art book and take in the surrounding art with a beverage. I do hope to spend more time here just hanging out while being surrounded by fabulous art!
Ariel Davis & Margery Gossett have knocked it out of the park with this spectacular space. It was packed and everyone was having the best time visiting with each other and checking out the shop that sells prints and various art gifts. The future of this gallery will include a residency program, so we can’t wait to hear more about that!
Love Texas Art is indeed a welcome addition to Sundance Square, which is quickly creating it’s own art row of sorts! Artsy Scoop is thrilled to support these galleries and to be a part of the growing art scene in downtown Fort Worth.
The final stop of the evening was at one of our favorite contemporary art galleries, Fort Works Art. Artist Jessica Vollrath’s exhibit, “On The Continuum” is featured in the main gallery space and will be on view until April 23rd. Jessica’s pieces were created just for this show and she absolutely killed it! The vibrant pigments are influenced by colorful, clear Picasso tiles which, when the light shines through them, creates a lovely shine which Jessica perfectly captures and displays.
Upstairs is a gaggle of people eyeing the various works, some just chillaxin’ in a beautiful lounge area surrounded by art. I really do appreciate a place to sit in a gallery, especially after this long day of visiting multiple art galleries, back-to-back!
Down a little hallway is yet another gorgeous space, this time with amazing crystals displayed. There are massive clusters of crystals on view, including a piece by B Shawn Cox from his lenticular series titled, “3-Way Steady Hands” which I’m really taken with.
I have a quick chat with the ever-so-lovely Fort Works Art owner, Lauren Saba, and congratulate her on the show and coming back strong post-COVID. This woman is a force and her gallery is better than ever! What a perfect ending to a perfect day.
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