"Art Parties" are good. I would like to just get that out there. They create a light community based atmosphere that is a real treat for those who attend. They really are the best way to get an arts community off it's feet and moving in a creative/positive direction. More than just hanging out at the local bar, these parties bring people together who would normally not ever encounter each other. Also they accomplish what "real" galleries oft fail at creating.
Openings suck. It's less a celebration of the artist(s) involved and more a place to be seen (scene). They create a strange tension of "what do I say to the artist?" and "am I wearing the right jeans?" This was not the case at Duels.
Duels took place on Friday, December 12th. It was held at The Assembly Room located in the second floor apartment of Brendan and Amanda. I've had the pleasure of visiting with Brendan on numerous occasions and truly understand and respect what he is attempting to do with the large living room in his apartment. The couple create events based around performance and two-dimensional art, invite people over, and let it unfold as it would.
The concept of Duels, if by name alone, is one of competition. There were two visual artists, two music acts, and two performance acts. Initial talks of the event brought out a competitive theme. One that would not decide a winner, but encourage collaboration and inspiration from the "opponent." The event was great. I had a great time and loo forward to attending more at The Assembly Room.
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