Covid art - The Lardner Report

(Pic #1) Interior, sidewalk “cube” gallery in Seattle, Washington — a community project that operates on the premise “take one, leave one.”

It’s definitely a different kind of “public art.” And people are flocking to it. It’s a simple white cedar box on the curb, measuring 15 x 18 inches.

You may have seen little roadside free “libraries” in your town. I’ve seen many in suburban neighborhoods like Nashville. Same concept…. with a little more “hands-on” love.

(Pic #2) Artist Stacy Milrany and perhaps the tiniest free art gallery in the world.

A Seattle artist named Stacy Milrany decided it was the perfect time to bring a little joy into the lives of her Queen Anne community neighbors. The idea came to her after her mom was diagnosed with cancer, and she wanted to send a daily work of art to her to ease her anxiety over chemotherapy. Pretty soon friends contributed their own pieces —over a hundred — and they were all just roughly 4 x 6 inches each.

When the pandemic hit, Stacy knew it was time to expand, and bring some light into these dark days. She painted 500 more works, and encouraged her instagram followers to donate art to residents of nursing homes and those isolated from family..

(Pic #3) The gallery comes with perfectly sized miniature “visitors” to offer a sense of scale.

Then, last month, the brainstorm hit: in these challenging times, art can make a difference. “Welcome to the smallest free art gallery in the world” she said. “If you like a piece, take it. And please leave another one for the next art lover stopping by.”

Now while the gallery operates on the honor system, mysteriously there’s one piece missing. Someone lifted one of the not-for-sale plastic figurines. It’s a 7-inch chef making macaroni and cheese. Stacy made posters saying “if you know of Chef’s whereabouts, you may return him with no questions asked.”

Art is a serious business.

(Pic #1) “Stay Strong 2020” by Joan Wulf, Los Angeles. Featured in the new drive-by “De-Fence Art Show” at the Santa Monica Airport.

Artists find new ways of getting more eyes on their work. Call it Covid Creative.

An artist’s default position typically lands on the fresh and new. It’s what defines him/her as an artist. They think differently, and they act differently. Even corporate America has decided creativity is “more important” than integrity or discipline among the world’s top CEOs.* So it’s no surprise that artists have discovered fresh ways of showing their art — while keeping us “Covid safe.”

Last weekend, what started in New York made its way to the east side of LA. This weekend, expect to see streets west of Western (see map here) lined with assorted artwork — by 120 different artists. According to Drive-by-Art (the guys who started the trend on Long Island) the in-car experience creates “a sense of needed solidarity” within the artistic communities. There will be dayside and nighttime showings.

You may know some of the participating artists — established Los Angeles favorites like Lita Albuquerque and Kenny Scharf — who will show alongside some of LA’s best emerging artists. For more info, visit the Drive-By website: called, Drive-by-Art.

(Pic #2) Featured on KCRW: Painter Eric Dever installed his artwork outside in South Fork, Long Island. Image courtesy of Drive-by-Art.

(Pic #3) “Behind, under, around” Installation for Durden and Ray by Brenna Ivanhoe and Nancy Ivanhoe. Mixed media. Image provided by Durden and Ray.

Through June 20th — a sort of “scavenger hunt” map of a citywide art exhibition around L.A. sponsored by Durden and Ray art collective. The exhibit features nearly 100 artists who have installed public artwork from Santa Monica to the east side, from the valley to Long Beach. Alleyways, front yards, to chain link fences. (Pic #3) (See map here.)

And starting tomorrow, you have a month to check out the art around the Santa Monica Airport. (Pic #1) It’s an exhibition called “De-Fence Art” — “an outdoor exhibition in the time of isolation.” 12 noon to sunset. Masks and social distancing required. Address: 3026 Airport Drive, Santa Monica, CA 90405.

The impact on participating artists is deep. Many have been apprehensive about the post Covid art market, and rightly so. So the opportunity to share new work and connect with art-lovers in person provides a sense of hope. What’s more, says artist Sean Noyce, “this simply helps us and our community realign our spirits.”

* IBM Creativity study here.

Free Art! Wait, What?

Drive-By Art Shows! Yes, It’s A Thing