Ahh November! The weather has changed yet again and the anxiety of Christmas is settling in. Slow it down, take a deep breath and go for a stroll. The Gallery Stroll is a free public event held on the third Friday of every month. Art galleries and studios of all kinds open up their doors to showcase their new works. For a list of the underground best of the best check out SLUG’s monthly picks. This month gallery stroll will be happening November 16th.

Angela Brown editor and chief operator of SLUG Magazine has a deep connection with the residents of Pierpont Avenue. Having lived nearby and worked on the street for many years, its impending demise made the timing crucial for an art show. Ms. Brown relates, “I first starting working on Pierpont over 15 years ago with photographer, Brett Colvin in the same studio that SLUG now occupies.”

That is until February when Artspace’s lease of over 20 years expires. In Artspace’s defense they did offer places in their new locations with smaller living space and darker less suitable workspaces. Brown’s plan, “I want to highlight the people who live and work on Pierpont. I plan to take all the residents photo’s and include a small statement about what they do or where they are going to go when it’s all over.”

The resident’s resilience has been tested the last few months after the main walkway to many studios collapsed during the July Gallery Stroll and access to their building became limited. Even with all the turmoil there is still a lot of pride exuded from these people, for the building and their community. The Resident’s of Pierpont show will open on November 16th at No Brow Coffee located at 316 East 300 South.

Previous residents of Pierpont Avenue’s Art Access are thriving in their new Artspace digs located at 500 West 240 South. The annual Holiday Show open’s November 16th with works by kaleidoscope artist April Motley, ceramic teapots by Vicki Acoba, stained glass by Robert Wynee, clay angels by Heidi Moller Somsen, mixed media winged women by Colleen Bryan Rogers and traditional Spanish colonial retablos by Jeronimo Lozano to name a few.

Traditionally, an artist is selected to decorate the Art Access holiday tree. This year the artist is Elise Lazar. Elise’s rendition of icicles are modern yet mystical, a perfect match for a Holiday tree.

Traditions are important during the holiday season and one tradition that proves practical and enjoyable is the annual Holiday and Craft exhibit and Sale hosted by the Finch Lane Art Barn located at 54 Finch Lane. In it’s 24th year, the exhibit and sale features work by dozen’s of Utah artists and provides great one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list. Because everything is one-of-a-kind, first looks are important.

The exhibit and sale begins at 6pm on November 30th and will be open daily until December 16th. November/December shows have two receptions, November 16th, the third Friday in November and then again on December 7th for the Holiday Stroll.

This year the Gallery Stroll and the Fashion Stroll will take place on the same night. Lots of strolling to be done at all your favorite galleries and boutiques! Don’t miss your chance to see to check out art, fashions and original gifts for everyone.

Happy strolling, Mariah Mann Mellus

SUPPORT LOCAL ART!!!