PUBLIC: an Art Gallery

[Lucy Mitford]

PUBLIC: An Art Gallery

The gallery is located in the Marketplace district, on a narrow cobblestone side street. It is a small storefront, sandwiched between a bookstore and a flower shop. It is a one-room affair with an open plan that heads straight back with art featured on both walls to either side.

The gallery rotates artists approximately every three to six months depending on how quickly the art is being sold. Each new exhibition has a special opening event---an evening with cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres---with different levels of publicity to keep from oversaturating and exhausting the market interest. Glossy catalogs are published for every new exhibit including descriptions of each piece and a local art historian's analysis of the works.

Art pieces are valued by size and demand for the artist's work, and prices are provided only upon inquiry. It is safe to assume, however, that nothing at the gallery is priced for less than five figures. Sold works are marked as such, but remain at the gallery as part of their collection until the exhibition is complete, at which point the pieces are delivered to the buyers.

The gallery is open daily from 11AM to 9PM. While Lucy is often at the gallery, she is available to show work by appointment only.

OOC

This is the official thread for all future stories and play involving the gallery. Anyone is welcome to post here at any time about visiting the gallery, purchasing art, or having any other interest in the gallery.

The thread will be updated now and again with descriptions of the art currently being shown, or about any vapored events occurring at the gallery. You are welcome to play off of those posts, whether it be coming to see the current exhibit or expressing interest in purchasing a piece.

If you want to interact with Lucy or the gallery beyond simply visiting, please feel free to PM me to discuss. In particular, if you are interested in having your character purchase a piece or having your character show their work at the gallery, please PM me!
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Originally posted on Fri Oct 09, 2015

The full original thread is available here. Below are the posts of each exhibit to preserve the recorded history of the gallery.

[Lucy Mitford]

New Opening!

Within the last couple of weeks, those on the gallery's mailing list received elegant glossy cards announcing the showing of two new artists at the gallery, and a special opening party on Saturday, November 7. Advertisements were also placed in local arts and culture magazines as well as in finer establishments in the Marketplace and New Haven districts.

The new collection will feature the work of local artists Elena Rafaelo and Peaches H. Both artists will have an entire side of the gallery dedicated to their work with their names stenciled on the wall in front of their collections. Booklets are also available providing additional information about the artists and their work.

The Party

Saturday, November 7, PUBLIC will be hosting a party in honor of Elena and Peaches and their collections!

The gallery will be open to the public beginning at 6pm in the evening. An open bar will be situated at the back of the space, with a featured autumn-inspired cranberry-champagne cocktail. Catering staff will also be circulating light hors d'oeuvres, and a DJ at the front of the gallery will be spinning music to set the mood (though not so loud as to prevent cocktail conversation).

Lucy will be attendance, mixing and mingling, along with the two artists Elena and Peaches.

OOC

This is a board-only event. Descriptions of the artists' work will soon follow below. All are welcome to post your character's attendance or anything else you like!
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Originally posted on Wed Nov 04, 2015

[Lucy Mitford]

Dark City: a Night of Art and Accessories

In conjunction with Fashion Week 2016, PUBLIC: an Art Gallery is pleased to present Dark City: a Night of Art and Accessories. The dual evening presents a new collection of work from local artist Leika Svall, as well as the new fashion line from Annalise Accessories.

The Event

The Gallery is located in the Marketplace district, on a narrow cobblestone side street. It is a small storefront, sandwiched between a bookstore and a flower shop, a one-room affair with an open plan that heads straight back with art featured on both walls to either side.

An open bar is situated at the back of the gallery, while catering staff circulate with trays of high-end hors d'oeuvres meant to be eaten as finger-foods, cocktail napkins in abundance. A DJ also situated at the back of the gallery plays drum and bass throughout the evening.

Leika Svall's art occupies the walls on either side of the gallery, but also lining each wall is a row of well-lit pedestals, each featuring a piece from Annalise Accessories.

Security is on hand, keeping a low profile, and occasionally reminding people not to touch the accessories.

The Works

Text printed directly on the wall just before the first piece of Leika's collection reads:

Leika Svall is a local Rhy'Din artist whose work is deeply influenced by the city's unique culture. Her latest collection explores the experience of the city at night, using projected images of street scenes to represent the violence enacted upon the bodies of its residents. Intended to spark a dialogue between citizens and city leaders, the collection creates a discourse on place, security, and identity---three difficult concepts in a city as unique as Rhy'Din.



((The above inspiration pieces are from Pro-ject by real life artist, Lee Kirby, whose work you can see here)).

Text printed on the opposite wall reads:

With roots in Star's End Spaceport, Annalise Accessories captures the spirit of city life with their latest line of accessories. The pieces accentuate both the hard and soft angles of the urban personality. Presenting them alongside more traditional artwork positions the pieces in their proper setting as objets d'art.



((The above inspiration pieces are from Lanvin.))
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Originally posted on Wed Mar 04, 2016

[Lucy Mitford]

New Exhibition

On Saturday, November 19th, PUBLIC: an Art Gallery is pleased to present a new exhibition---The Art of the Home.

Continuing in its efforts to feature local Rhy'dinian artists, PUBLIC is pleased to shine a light on traditional works most often seen only in the home. By drawing back the curtain on typically private spaces, the small collection includes works of art and craft that are at once intimate and useful.



Inspiration drawn from the unique work of Joan Baxter, whose piece Winter Skyline is above. You can learn more about her beautiful work here.

The pieces shown in this exhibit highlight the special relationship Rhy'dinians have with the belongings in their homes. Tapestries provide not only color and warmth, but can be used to weave powerful spells of protection, fertility, and good fortune. The hand-thrown clay pottery coming from a utilitarian tradition can also bring unusual beauty to the mundane and the arcane.



The above is a work by the talented ceramicist, Haejin Lee. You can learn more about her interesting work here.

Rather than featuring individuals, with this collection PUBLIC has opened its doors to the many Rhy?dinian artists whose art and work are hiding in plain sight.

We hope you enjoy these special works.

Open House

To celebrate this new exhibit, PUBLIC has joined with the other small shops on Sullivan Mews to host an open house. Beginning at 11 AM, the small cobblestone side street just steps from the Marketplace will be open to the community for a day of fun and celebration. All of the shops, from the florist to the bookstore and more, will be hosting special events and special sales to kick-off the holiday season.

PUBLIC will be offering refreshments throughout the day including hot cider (with or without the kick) and seasonal champagne cocktails, as well as fresh caramel corn and apple fritters to snack on.

As usual, gallery owner Lucy Mitford will be there to welcome her guests and answer any questions about the art or the artists. We hope to see you there.

OOC

As usual, this is a board-only event. All are welcome to post your character's attendance or anything else you like right in this thread! If you're interested in having your character's work featured at the gallery, interested in purchasing a piece, or interested in a SL involving the gallery, please feel free to PM me! I am open to your ideas!
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Originally posted on Mon Nov 14, 2016

[Lucy Mitford]

New Exhibition

Inspired by and featuring the work of local artist Layla Wasem, PUBLIC is pleased to announce its newest exhibition, Egypt in Exile: Celebrating Sham el-Nessim in Rhy'Din.

Observed for more than four millennia in Earth's Egypt, Sham el-Nessim is a celebration of the beginning of spring. The holiday also has a troubled history, including current reports from across the nexus that the secular celebration has been banned.

Opening on Monday, April 17, 2017 to coincide with Sham el-Nessim, Egypt in Exile celebrates the art and culture of Egypt by featuring the work of local artist Layla Wasem and Egyptian artists still struggling for free expression in their home country.

The Event

Egypt in Exile will open its doors at 6 o'clock in the evening. A description of the display, including Layla Wasem's art, is below.

PUBLIC will be offering the usual cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with a decidedly Egyptian-flavor including individual rose and saffron kunafa nests and freshly-pressed (and spikeable) aseer asab. Additionally, guests will be welcomed to follow a Sham el-Nessim custom of writing their wishes on eggs that will be hung in baskets from the tree outside the gallery with the hopes that the gods will answer them.

Gallery owner Lucy Mitford will be on hand to welcome visitors, and to point them in the direction of the true force behind the event, artist Layla Wasem.

OOC

A very special thank you to the player of Layla Wasem who is the main inspiration and creator of this event. All credit for this exhibition, including researching the art and the history of Sham el-Nessim goes to her. Thank you so very much for being such a great collaborator!

As always, this is a board-only event. All are welcome to post your character's attendance or what they would write on their egg or anything else you like right in this thread! It is never too late to post your character?s attendance of the opening event, or the exhibition in general. Exhibitions only end when the next event is posted.
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Originally posted on Mon Apr 16, 2017

[Lucy Mitford]

PUBLIC: an Art Gallery is proud to present...

Visions of the Natural World: New Perspectives in Photorealism
February 21 - April 26

This new exhibit features the bright young artists currently pushing the boundaries of photorealism to capture the sometimes haunting and sometimes thrilling beauty of the natural world.



One side of the small gallery features a collection of smaller works from a variety of artists. Photorealistic canvases of towering trees, sunrise over the Cadentia desert, and the rocky shores of Kaiju lake.

On the opposite side, a large canvas dominates the space, flanked by additional, smaller works, all from one featured artist. Large text, printed directly on the wall, introduces the collection:

LUCAS WALSH

A bold new voice in photorealism, Lucas Walsh captures the drama and movement of water, light, and color on canvasses large and small. His process interweaves memory and imagination resulting in compositions that are at once personal and universal.



((The above inspiration pieces, Thompson Lake#6 and Weddell Sea, are from real life artist, Zaria Forman, whose work you can explore here.))

The Opening Event

On Friday, February 21, beginning at 8pm, PUBLIC will be hosting a cocktail party in honor of Visions of the Natural World.

An open bar will be situated at the back of the space, while catering staff circulates with glasses of champagne. Catering staff will also be circulating with light hors d’oeuvres, while a DJ at the front of the gallery will be spinning music to set the mood (though not so loud as to prevent cocktail conversation).

As usual, gallery owner Lucy Mitford will be there to welcome her guests and answer any questions about the art or the artists.

OOC

As usual, this is a board-only event. All are welcome to post your character's attendance or anything else you like right in this thread! If you're interested in having your character's work featured at the gallery or interested in purchasing a piece, please feel free to PM me!

[Lucy Mitford]

Lucy was experiencing a little frisson of excitement at having another art opening after what felt like too long a time without. While the gallery had continually been showing art, this was her first party there in some time, and she was pleased and proud to welcome people to her gallery in this special way once more.

She was also particularly pleased to be working with such young artists. It was a rare experience for her, and she spent the evening going out of her way to introduce the young talents to the art-world contacts that she hoped would eventually become their patrons. She particularly seemed to be championing Lucas, drawing him into conversations and drawing others over to his work.

After a recent tropical getaway with August, she was looking fresh and surprisingly sun-kissed the night of the event. Lucy was in her element, chatting with her friends and colleagues, and enjoying the evening.

[Jodie]

Being close friends with Lucas, who she absolutely viewed as the Star Of The Show (no offense to the other artists), Jodie Quimby was present at the gallery from the second it opened to the moment it closed. She'd dolled herself up for the occasion, excited for the chance to celebrate Luke's accomplishments and to rub elbows with other artists and big wigs in the industry. Her only accessory was a heavy duty camera she carried looped over one shoulder that she used throughout the night to snap candid photos of the party.

Mrs. Quimby showed up after she got off work, being something of a mother-figure for Lucas for the last several years. She brought Luke's father along, who was surprisingly sober and well-mannered, if uncharacteristically quiet for the hour that they stayed. Mr. Walsh spent a long time studying his son's artistry while holding a glass of champagne he never drank out of, and though he didn't attempt to approach his son during the show, the two did exchange a weighty glance just before he left for the night.

[Cezar]

Cezar arrived with his usual company of a black cait sith perched on the back of his wheelchair. He had tapped fully into a hipster vibe, wearing a wide lapeled brown suit and a scrunched hat, giving him a distinctly 1960s look. His uncle joined him, a tall and sonorous Englishman's Englishman, impossible to ascribe an era to in a black suit, bowler, and cane. Uncle Rathburn remained at Cezar's chair, speaking now and again, but as much as possible, keeping his nephew in the light.

Cezar was entranced by the artworks, taking in the energy and emotion as much as the images themselves. He was frequently almost dragging his uncle along as his wide brown gaze caught sight of a new angel, a fresh perspective, completely enamored of the art and evening. He may speak a little, but mainly, it was all about the techniques and vision...

Rathburn towed the young man out rather early, and despite a few complaints, Cezar simply leaned back and let his uncle run him home.

[Isaac Wheeler]

With a glance to the old Titus chronograph at his wrist, Isaac took note of the time a moment before he dogtrotted across the little street towards Lucy’s gallery neatly nestled between a bookstore and flower shop. Not too late. It had been only a moment’s consideration of coming straight from work before that deep southern upbringing evaporated such thoughts like rain puddles from a summer sidewalk. One didn’t attend an art gala a disheveled mess. The scabbed over split knuckles the knife thrower was still sporting made him look like enough of a ruffian.

And yet that upbringing, with all its southern sophistication and plantation proprieties, had never cemented within the wayward scion a knowledge of the artistic world other than music. He’d never possessed his father’s acumen for an artist’s work, nor his brother’s greed to possess a piece for no other purpose than arrogance and bragging rights.

Still, Isaac had always appreciated the natural world. A place where modernity got lost and tangled within oak limbs, jumbled and thrown about to sink beneath white water rapids or stuck in the stubborn summer heat…nothing more than a mirage in the haze radiating up on the horizon. It was with that same appreciation that Isaac lingered near the collection of smaller works from various artists, taking in each one as if they were a post card of serenity or a passport to the past when everyone was more connected to the natural rhythms. He’d gradually shift to the other side with the large, dominating image from Lucas Walsh. Isaac admired the skilled eye necessary to capture the vibrant strokes that the natural world painted with. He pulled away from the vivid images only when the thunderstorm gray of his eyes spotted Lucy.

He’d drift her way to congratulate her on the exhibit. “You’ve got a great eye for new talent.” A cock of his head and as he studied his friend for a moment before one of those rare slow smiles appeared. “Sun looks good on ya, Luce.” That dogwood drawl
adding a personal observation to the more professional well-wishing as he took her hand and gave it a brief squeeze before releasing it. He’d be sure, in the short moments he’d converse with her, to thank her for the pocketknife she’d given him at her Christmas party. Such a well-suited gift was genuinely appreciated and had become an everyday carry for the knife thrower. He was damn selective about his blades too—picky bastard.

As the gallery began to fill up with more people, the humming of conversations started to push against the walls. He’d of course greet any he spotted that knew, but he’s not one to linger for small talk. Soon enough he was moving through the crowd to step back outside where he’d remain to grab a smoke and a few sips from his flask to wait for his sister’s arrival from the theater. That knife sharp gaze taking in the city and the people that came and went, unable to shake that feeling of a gathering storm.

[Josette Wheeler]

Josie arrived at Lucy’s gallery just after her performance and a quick change, her hair artfully arranged in an elegant updo with crystal tipped accessories that were deceptively decorative in nature. Fashion seamlessly blended with formidable function was her mode du jour, as the shift in energy in the city these days was palpable.

Still, nothing could keep her from attending Lucy’s latest exhibit! The dancer always taking a keen interest in the latest artists her friend showcased at PUBLIC.

A knowing smile bloomed for her brother who was loitering outside when she arrived. She knew how he felt about crowds, so she left him to his solitude as she moved inside to pluck up a glass of champagne and peruse each of the pieces.

She spent a significant amount of time admiring the images of the towering trees, deeply appreciating their beauty as they had always been her sanctuary from a young age. Though it was Lucas’ use of light and the way it created a sense of drama and movement in his pieces that stayed with the dancer the most by the end of the evening.

She snagged Lucy for a warm hug when the redhead had a moment, wanting to hear all about her friend’s latest travel adventures and where she got that sunkissed glow! Not wanting to take up too much of her time at the opening however, she expressed that she hoped the two could catch up properly over lunch or cocktails at a later date.

After congratulating Lucy and Lucas as well if he was not too mobbed with potential patrons and admirers, she joined Isaac outside before the two were off for a late dinner. She had questions about those split knuckles!

[pastelcrimes]

His first real exhibit!

Lucas Walsh felt as if he'd stepped into a dream when he arrived at the studio to see his art -- his soul -- hanging there on the wall, bared for all to see. There was something inherently intimate about it, as if he himself was on display, exposed for public judgement. It was at once terrifying and exhilarating. Lucy wasn't the only one buzzing with the undercurrent of excitement zipping through their veins; Luke felt buoyant and weightless, floating from person to person as the tides of conversation carried him throughout the room. He flourished as the center of attention, oozing boyish charm and radiating an inviting aura that drew eyes and smiles alike.

He couldn't stop smiling either, even when confronted with the surprise of his father showing up to the exhibit, though Luke was grateful for the overwhelming demand for his attention that prevented an opportunity for the man to approach him in any way. The boy did his best to socialize with everyone else, however, and thanked them for taking the time to support young, up and coming artists like himself.

[Ike]

Also in attendance from the moment the opening event started until the very end was Isaac Evers. For the most part he hung around the fringes of the room and played the part of a wallflower, too shy to talk to anyone directly. He very keenly watched Lucas, however. A soft, fond smile was pretty permanently affixed to his mouth whenever his eyes were on him in particular. His role was primarily moral support. Though from time to time he inserted himself between Jodie and anyone who looked about to bump into her. Had to make sure she had a clear view and didn't get jostled while taking her pictures. Quite a few times he wandered by Lucas when he saw a break in his socializing to lay an affectionate hand on his arm or back and check to make sure that he was okay, sometimes bringing him a soda or glass of water. Of course he found spare moments to admire the art itself on display, and sometimes he used his phone to capture videos.

[Lucy Mitford]

Natural Spectacular: Celebrating the Drama of Nature in Fashion

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 8PM

In conjunction with Fashion Week 2020, PUBLIC: an Art Gallery is pleased to present Natural Spectacular, a night celebrating the drama of the natural world as reflected in haute couture fashion.

((Philip Treacy hat))

The Event

The Gallery is located in the Marketplace, on a narrow cobblestone side street. It is a small storefront, sandwiched between a bookstore and a flower shop, a one-room affair with an open plan that heads straight back with art featured on both walls to either side.

An open bar is situated at the back of the gallery, while catering staff circulate with trays of high-end hors d'oeuvres meant to be eaten as finger-foods, cocktail napkins in abundance. A DJ also situated at the back of the gallery plays drum and bass throughout the evening.

The Works

The show is set against the backdrop of the exhibit already in progress at the Gallery, Visions of the Natural World: New Perspectives in Photorealism. Photorealistic dramatic canvases line each wall of the gallery, including one wall dedicated to the work of newcomer Lucas Walsh.

In addition, for this one-night-only event, additional displays have been set up. Glass pedestal cases line each wall of the gallery as well, set just in front of the paintings. Each case features a dramatic headpiece positioned on a stark white bust. And with descriptive and attributive text, there is a photo showing the full look as presented by the designer on RhyDin’s haute couture runways.


((Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen; Valentino (Fall 2018); Guo Pei (Spring 2018); Dior (Spring 2018)))

As usual, gallery owner Lucy Mitford will be there to welcome her guests and answer any questions about the fashion designers, the art or the artists.

OOC

As usual, this is a board-only event. All are welcome to post your character's attendance or anything else you like right in this thread! If you're interested in having your character's work featured at the gallery or interested in purchasing a piece, please feel free to PM me!

Please note that the fashion looks are attributed to the best of my ability.

[Lucy Mitford]

PUBLIC: an Art Gallery --- temporarily closed for repairs

Locals are reporting that PUBLIC, the art gallery owned by Lucy Mitford is currently boarded-up and has its CLOSED sign firmly in place following the events of Saturday, March 21, 2020. Only one of the two plate-glass windows is boarded over, while the other provides a view of a gallery in transition. Half of the paintings have been pulled from the walls and there is evidence of some minor fire damage. A sign in the window reads:

We are sad to say that the Gallery was recently vandalized during the crime wave that overtook our beautiful district. Our deepest regrets are saved for our artists and patrons who have lost precious works of art. Like everyone who lives and works here, we hope we have seen the end of the violence. Our community deserves better.

This is but a temporary set-back. We will return very soon, stronger than ever, and committed to sharing art with the PUBLIC.

Speaking with ArtScene magazine at the beginning of the week, Mitford elaborated that three pieces were stolen from the gallery, including a larger work by the featured artist Lucas Walsh which was, in Mitford's words, "tragically cut from its frame." All three of the stolen pieces had already been sold to gallery patrons and were scheduled for shipment at the closing of the current show in April.

"Artworks like this are incredibly difficult to move on the black market," Mitford explained. "Not only are they very recognizable by those in the arts community, they're works by up-and-coming artists who have only just begun to establish their financial value." Mitford was reluctant to disclose a specific price for the lost works. "The real loss is for the artists who invest so much in everything they create. To them, no amount of money can replace the loss."

The incident is currently under insurance investigation.