OPINION: Are non-traditional venues a help or hindrance to the fine arts?

This is in response to a question submitted by Andrew Kline and posted on March 17, 2009. Further responses will be posted as they are received.

by James Vogler
In response to the question of whether non traditional gallery spaces are good or bad for the artist, I would first think that the artist needs to accept that Vermont has few gallery opportunities, and any exposure to the public should be welcome. Having lived in Vermont for 18 years after being part of the New York art world, and recently returning to painting, I had similar misgivings about showing work in anything but a gallery. But reality sets in that Vermont does not have an art district full of galleries to choose from, so I think any chance to show your work is valid. And the artist certainly can choose when and where. Lately I've participated in art projects run by the Art House Coop in Atlanta Ga. www.arthousecoop.com Their mission is to engage anyone from professional to amateur in some form of art and to show the results of the projects in as many venues as possible from museums to galleries or any space that will have them. Art appreciation for the public can only benefit from this sort of exposure and promotion. A friend of mine living in Belgium recently mentioned a book she read on the global art market, that singled out America as a leader in the art world for its use of art in more public spaces than any other country, which specifically included offices, restaurants,etc. I think we just have to work with what we have at hand.