[Photo credits: Glad Marketing LLC, AutoHD Creative Studios, and Fresco Arts Team]
Ever since we decided to seriously explore the option of creating an art space in our finished basement, we knew -- if we wanted to create something that was valuable to both artists and the community -- that we needed to figure out a way to connect with Dover's art scene and gather feedback from local art lovers. Dover Art Week 2024 seemed like the perfect opportunity, and we were honored to host a series of events connecting artists and giving them a chance to showcase their work, while also giving the community a chance to create and enjoy art. We were pleased to find that artistic talent runs deep in Dover and its surrounding area, and that the community was eager to come out and support these artists.
Many thanks to Levitate Creative Services and Core Creative Placemaking, who helped us organize our events, alongside great partners like IdeaCultural and AutoHD Creative Studios.
Our week began with the Beyond the Brush event on July 24, where approximately 75-80 artists and their friends gathered for a night of networking and creativity. (Not to mention delicious food provided by Burrini's Olde World Market and music from DJ Dave Morris.) Artists were making art in all sorts of ways -- painting on repurposed doors, sketching floor plans, building with Lego and Play Doh, and joining forces for a improvised, impromptu mural. We also got tons of great artist feedback that will help make our art space better.
In addition to the pictures below, there is a cool Beyond The Brush video here.
Then, on July 27th, we hosted the Basement Bash -- an art expo open to the public -- and welcomed about 200 people over the course of the evening. About 20 local artists, from Dover and the surrounding areas, were on hand to display their work. Bar One11 provided delicious food and cocktails, ScoopHouse delivered sweet treats, DJ 525Â and Enrique Conte and Willy Carmona kept the music going. The guys from AutoHD Creative Studios chatted with a number of guests on their live podcast. And our own Stephen Zuluaga was busy giving tours of the building all night. Special thanks to the Town of Dover, council members, and Mayor James Dodd for their support.
In addition to the pictures below, there is a great Basement Bash video here.
Dover's art scene is full of talent and potential. We were amazed to see the way creativity played out, whatever the medium, when talented people were given the the opportunity to tell their stories through their art. It was also exciting to see the powerful way that talent was magnified by artistic collaboration, and the ways that art can bring the community together.
Our entire redevelopment of the Richards Building is based on a theme of creativity, and the basement art space is a key component. These events were just a sneak peak, and we look forward to launching our art space, creating a platform where artists can showcase their skills and passion while engaging with the broader community. We hope everyone is as excited as we are to see what is coming next in The Richards Basement.
Do you have feedback or ideas for our Art Space? Please share using the form at the link below.
There will be more blog posts about Dover Art Week coming soon! Stay tuned for...
A tale of three murals
Our art collection is off to a great start!
Logo contest winner! (kind of)
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