Galleries, coffee shops and stores all opened their doors to support local artists during the First Friday Art March on Feb. 7. The real attraction of the night was the Indie Artists Market in the Starland District. This marketplace was a hub for students and local artists to sell their work and interact with the community.
“It’s such a cool street,” said Shelly Kohli, a mandala artist. “It’s like a little fairy street.”
String lights hung over the street between buildings and the gallery windows glowed behind artists’ booths. This portion of De Soto Avenue, between 40th and 41st streets, was filled with local and student artists and all of their handmade goods.
There were tables covered with cards and illustrations, screen printed T-shirts and handmade scarves. There were soaps and candles from Kleo’s and jewelry with mandala designs by Shelly Kohli. Paws Out Pet Boutique and Bakery even had a table with all kinds of homemade dog treats.
“I think that where it is in Starland gives us the chance to build a community and build a neighborhood we want to live in,” said Lauren Flotte, the President of the Board of Directors at Art Rise Savannah, which used to be Desotorow Gallery.
Maldoror’s Frame Shop, the Kindling Workshop and Fresh Exhibitions, on De Soto Avenue all participated in the event. Pablo Serrano, a photography student, currently has his exhibition, Vernacular Puerto Rico, at Fresh Exhibitions gallery. His photography of architecture showed off the geometric designs engrained in structures throughout the Puerto Rico.
Fresh Exhibitions is also trying to support artists with their fellowship program. They are currently accepting applications so artists have the chance to show their work. The recipients will receive a three-week exhibition with a First Friday Art March reception and marketing support from the gallery.
“We’re giving artists opportunities,” said Flotte.
Flotte graduated in 2012 with a degree in photography and is trying to foster a community for artists. She wants to build the community and the art scene in this area.
“I want to see this neighborhood grow,” said Flotte. “And I want to see the arts integrate into that.”
There are already a few galleries on De Soto Avenue, which made it a great location for the Indie Art Market. And it helps that it is a private street and no one has to worry about getting city permits. The focus stays on the artists and immersing the city with art.
Members of the community started the Art March in 2012 after years of failed attempts. In July 2013, Art Rise took on the Art March as a program and put time and dedication into it. Just four months later they were able to add the free trolley rides because Art Rise received a Weave-the-Dream grant from the city.
“I think they were really excited and happy about what we were doing,” said Flotte. “We put a lot of energy into growing the art market here.”
And it sure has grown. The Indie Art Market now has over 20 artists selling work; at its inception there were just four. Now it spans the city with several tops across town and live music at different venues.
Several shops opened up to have shows and feature art. Foxy Loxy Print Gallery and Café on Bull Street collaborated with Maldoror’s Frame Shop to have an unframed print sale. Alan Stockard provided live music during at the café during the march. The Sentient Bean also participated in the event with their featured artist Joshua Beckler. His Gouache paintings and architectural ink renderings of Savannah hung on the walls.
Black Orchid Custom Tattoo and Gallery joined in the march with The Urban Monks exhibit “99 Roaches and a Bug Ain’t One.” Graveface Records and Curiosities, Anahata Healing Arts, Sicky Nar Nar, Studio School and Of Two Minds Art Studio also participated in the event.
The official after party was held a few blocks away from the Indie Arts Market, at the Wormhole Bar. There was live music by Charlie and the Foxtrots, Smooth Hound Smith and Fare the Gap.
“It’s awesome,” said Jessica Duthu, a local artist. “I can’t wait for it to get bigger and better.”
Check out some work from student and alumni art marchers:
Evan Stolatis, a third-year industrial design student, had a stand with the wooden speakers he designed, called Passive Speakers. There were no wires, cables or electricity; Stolatis just magnified the audio by the hollow design of the box. They sold for $25 and were designed for iPhones.
Jessica Duthu, a 2007 production design graduate, had a booth for Strawberry Moth set up. Her collections included everything from illustrated cards and coffee mugs to baby onesies. She also had an assortment of other items, from necklaces to dream catchers. She’s participated in the Art March since the beginning and has work online and at the Paris Market.
Katie J Mattern, a 2011 fibers graduate, had a table with handmade and bound books as well as a few stuffed animals and bowties. It was her first time participating in the Art March and she said it was really fun. In the future, she hopes to get her other leather goods—wallets and purses—out and sell them too.
Hannah Cleveland, a third-year illustration student and Kaitlin Slattery, a second-year illustration student, teamed up and had a table together, where they sold cards and prints. Slattery’s collection was called Forever September and she had an assortment of illustrated cards. It was Cleveland’s first time at the Art March and Slattery’s test to see if the illustration club could participate to raise money for senior shows.
Caila Brown, a 2011 graphic design graduate and former District staff member, stood at the bike tent. As the Vice Chair of the Savannah Bicycle Campaign, she thought it was a good idea to involve the bike community because a great amount of their membership base is artists. Savannah Bicycle has been involved in the Art March since it’s beginnings and have a Instagram scavenger hunt during the march every month. When it gets warmer they hope to do a bike and a movie.
The First Friday Art March happens every month. Artists and galleries can join in the march by going to Art March Savannah.