Just in time for Friday's "Gallery Night," The Armoury Gallery, 1718 N. 1 St., unveils its latest exhibit, "Western States."
The gallery's seventh show to date, the aptly named "Western States," moves beyond local artists to give Milwaukeeans a glimpse of work by artists across the country. "Western States," a multi-media show including 2-D, 3-D and installation work, is the gallery's largest and most prestigious show to date.
"Western States" combines the work of five artists (Ali Schmeltz, William Hundley, Gavin Bunner, Colleen Sanders, Adrianne Watson) residing west of the Mississippi River, along with Milwaukee artist Colin Matthes.
Residing in Los Angeles, Schmeltz contributes several prints to "Western States." After attending the University of Arizona to receive a Masters in Fine Arts (MFA), she participated in over 30 group shows and has been the subject of 10 solo exhibitions.
Photographer William Hundley joins the exhibit from Austin, Texas, and has had five solo shows to date.
Bunner contributes a selection of his works on paper. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Bunner went to school at the University of Illinois. "Western States" will be his 15th group show.
Sanders and Watson come to the show from San Francisco, Calif. Both currently displaying work in Los Angeles' Sam Lee Gallery, they also both received MFA's from the California College of the Arts in 2008.
Lastly, Matthes' work will fill the gallery's installation space. After receiving his Bachelor's in Fine Arts from the UW-Whitewater, Matthes' went on for his Masters in Fine Arts at the University of Michigan. His participation in the "Western States" exhibit precedes the debut of a wall drawing at Marquette's Haggerty Museum.
Owners Cassandra Smith and Jessica Steeber opened The Armoury Gallery early 2008 to promote local, national and international artists. The gallery's emphasis on installation art creates unique dialogue between art, the artist, the gallery and the viewer.
Check out the show Friday, Jan. 16 through Saturday, Feb. 14. The Armoury Gallery stays open late this Friday until 10 p.m. and re-opens Saturday, Jan. 17 from noon until 5 p.m.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
