“ArtClvb is a specialized Market Network created for the art world, combining social networking and marketplace features. With ArtClvb, artists, collectors, curators, galleries, and individuals involved in the art ecosystem can create profiles to showcase artworks they've collected, curated, or created while also fostering meaningful connections. These user profiles offer a seamless experience that supports both primary and secondary sales of artists' work, ensuring that royalties are properly distributed. Additionally, Art Clvb enables users to coordinate studio visits, facilitates the scanning of public art to connect to artists' profiles, and aids collectors in discovering local artists, galleries, and art openings, all within the app.”
Aware of artist specific shows, collaborations with other galleries, studio events coordinated with Chicago and Tokyo, and the widely publicized art fair last September, all of which highlighted great work from Detroit’s portfolio such as Martyna Alexander, Ivan Montoya and Sheefy McFly, I wasn’t quite grasping what this venture was about. So I showed up at Art Clvb’s Newlab residence to find out.
Unknown to me, Newlab isn’t open to the public. Art exhibit openings are public but further visitations are by appointment only. I got lucky with a friendly concierge who agreed to escort me to the Art Clvb space allowing me to capture the images posted here. The gallery was already transitioning to a new, undisclosed location so this work will not be available to view in this venue through the original closing date of 4/30. The posted pieces and other works are available on the Art Clvb website.
Sheefy McFly made his mark participating in 1XRUN Murals in the Market—that has since moved to Islandview. He’s one of several street-smart talents that successfully crossed over to gallery representation. His work reflects Michigan roots and African American heritage that combine into a highly recognizable graffiti based, abstracted cubist style.
I like this one because it’s unusually devoid of color which focuses attention on the objects and their arrangement. McFly uses texture and patterning to keep the picture from going entirely flat. All works are mixed media on canvas except Heaven which is acrylic on canvas.
I’ve had numerous conversations with gallery owners and artists regarding modern challenges in the traditional model of exhibiting and selling artwork. The pandemic irrevocably changed the way most of us engage in our jobs, why would art be any different? Contemporary art is heavily influenced by technology and hybrid social interaction so it’s long overdue the business of art adopts a similar modality. Art Clvb co-founders Steve and Dorota Coy with Justin Norman may have concocted a recipe that works. The newest innovation is their first Studio Deals event on 4/12 12P-5P. This is an artist studio visit series scheduled for every second Saturday of the month. Artists can still register to participate in this event or sign up to visit selected open studios.
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
This Real Art Detroit’s 200th post!! Thank you lovely readers for the support to make that happen! ❤️🙏🏻🎨
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SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND