| Show East Broadway A haven for new independent art Nick Potter Contributing Writer Spring fever arrived early this year with degree 70 break from classes This change in weather has preparing for short sleeves and encouraging pleasant strolls throughout the city But those who locked themselves indoors during the cold may be surprised at a bustlingly popular stroll that heated up while they were watching chestnuts roasting on the fireplace In the heart of Salt Lake City among a quaint district of independent businesses East Broadway South has emerged as the hip location for local art and music In just over a few months this exciting culture has revitalized the few blocks east of Main Street motivating the opening and reopening of a group of independent businesses catering to independent music and art The streets can be seen overwhelmed with strollers particularly on the third Friday of every month which has long been designated as Salt Lakes Lake's monthly Gallery Stroll Third South has become the center of Salt Lakes Lake's freshest art scene Erin Potter said Potter currently curates the art displayed at S Records an independent record store located on East Broadway She became involved with presenting local art with after approaching them to sell her posters for local shows The pr presentation of local art in conjunction with the Gallery Stroll became a big hit and Potter said they have plans to continue presenting new art every month The art on display for those strolling East Broadway shows a wide variety of influences The James Anthony Gallery located on the same block as Records has made madea a huge impact by bringing in name big-name contemporary artists from New York City Yet even with its city big-city flare gallery owner and namesake James Anthony avoids the pretentiousness art galleries are commonly stereotyped with I hope our presence will inspire and teach young and local artists about the national and international art scene as well has help them become more comfortable with approaching curators galleries and learn leam how to properly submit work to exhibition venues outside of the state Anthony said Just east cast of Slow train and James Anthony is Coffee Tea Owner Joe cY rl tl Ii I n J 10 1 I i iEvans Evans started the coffee shop with the intention of allowing the walls to acts as space for artists to exhibit their work creating yet another stop for strollers seeking out interesting local art Evans rents out rooms in the back of his shop as space for local artists to work in and create their art The most recent additions to East Broadway are the opening of Frosty Darling and the reopening of the Kayo Gallery Gentry Blackburn owner of the Frosty Darling opened her gallery boutique after being approached by Kayo Gallery owner Kenny Riches Riches' Riches Gallery and Blackburns Blackburn's personal gallery boutique are arc side- side side by-side and the two have decided to connect the space so that customers and admirers can travel freely between the two Kenny of Kayo found the space on 3rd South for forus forus forus us and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else The variety of independent shops on East Broadway are 1 so exciting and inspiring I think its it's the best shopping district in Salt Lake Blackburn said It would be a great place to take a friend from out of town While some may question the value of these independent stores and art galleries Blackburn feels that their presence strengthens Salt Lake Local businesses and artists make our lives more interesting and add depth to the city Blackburn said When you buy something at a local business you are directly supporting a unique vision that someone has put their heart and soul into If we dont don't support local businesses and artists they will disappear and then what are we left with Potter said that the Gallery Stroll has created an excitement and boom in business for those on East Broadway and is growing in popularity Becoming a stop one-stop destination for strollers it has also become an easy way for newcomers to experience local art and familiarize themselves with the new independent businesses that are continuing to open up along the street The popularity has even spawned a Web site Now you can view all things East Broadway by entering making it even easier to slip into the culture invading 3rd South Its simple Potter said Youre awesome if you go goon goon goon on Gallery Stroll |
