December 03, 2009

Grand Galleries to Open Curated CO-OP in December

The Cultural Arts Division is seeking Artists and Lenders to be part of an exciting collaboration. The Matthews
Gallery will serve a new function as a modern, cooperative exhibition space, while the Souza and GWF Energy
Gallery will continue to display solo, group and thematic exhibitions. The Co-Op will exhibit original artwork,
limited editions and artist-designed products at low prices.

As the Galleries are part of a larger interdisciplinary arts center fostering community involvement and life learning, products incorporating arts education are encouraged. Local Tracy Musicians, Songwriters, Poets and Spoken-Word Artists with professional recordings are also invited to participate.

Items may include designed products, artmaking and arts education materials, books, exhibition catalogs, CDs & DVDs, children’s products, clothing, jewelry, limited editions, original artwork, publications, toys and more. The public can expect to see artists featured in the first two seasons of exhibitions programming, in addition to several others from Tracy and beyond.

Gallery Supervisor Wilson explains, “In an effort to create new opportunities for artists, as well as new patronage options for visitors, Art Co-Opted was designed. Museums and galleries have always tried to encourage point of purchase sales in gift shops or bookstores, but the challenge has been to maintain quality and meet the expectations of different audiences. The Co-Op is curated and will be presented with the care of an exhibition, unlike a gift shop. The art and products featured will be exclusive, priced affordably, have limited availability and a diversity of appeal. As Tracy is without an independent record store, I also encourage recording artists to consider this project as a benefit. While a bit experimental, the Co-Op will be a fun and important addition to our programming and downtown shopping.”

For more information please call 209.831.6ART (6278) or email grandgalleries@ci.tracy.ca.us.

Art Co-Opted Flyer