New Gallery in the Mall Aims to Provide 'Art for Everyone' Through Classes, Shows, Collaboration

by David Dinsmore

“T he idea behind this is in the name,” said Scott Baird, who recently helped open the doors to Community Art Gallery.

The keyword: community.

That was the vision Baird shared with Sebrina Lynam – not to mention other local artists, creators and makers – when looking to establish a place in Shawnee Mall that could serve a variety of roles in the local art scene that tied into the same goal.

“One of our mottos is ‘Art for Everyone,’” Lynam said.

The journey to opening the gallery, however, in some ways typified an oft-cited quote attributed to Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch: “Art comes from joy and pain … But mostly from pain.”

Baird marked the first step of the path to Community Art Gallery as the closing of Studio 112 And a Half on Main Street nearly two years ago.

“It left us floundering,” Baird said. “We kept giving (the local art) scene CPR … until we could breathe new life into it.”

Some of those efforts came from other local collaborations and movements like Shawnee Sidewalk Artists and Ars Prima. This work led to demonstrations and interactions with the community at events

like the third Friday Downtown Block pARTy hosted by Safe Events for Families for the last few years. Local artists like Baird and Lynam would share their work and invite people at the events to join in on the fun.

Yet, they said they did not feel there was a central location that not only served to display local artists’ work to the public but also provide a conduit for people looking to exercise their own artistic ex

ABOVE: Community Art Gallery in Shawnee Mall serves as a gallery for local artists to display their work, but it also provides classes to those looking to tap into their own imagination and a studio for those looking for a place to stimulate inspiration and creativity with fellow artists.

pression, whether they are new to the visual arts or established creators.

In mid-March, Shawnee Mall lent an unoccupied space to local artists for a show, and the success of that event led to discussions about establishing a permanent place at the mall to support and foster local art.

“No artist will survive without showing,” Baird said. “Otherwise, you’re just doodling in the dark.”

Lynam and he started discussing a place where artists could gather to discuss and share their work. They envisioned a place where community members of all ages and skill levels could meet for classes to learn new techniques and concepts. This could be a place where locals could select unique pieces to display in their homes that would be a departure from the mass-produced decorative options found at ubiquitous chain stores. They pictured kids having their birthday parties there and making art with

their friends and family.

Enter the response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The gallery had to put all plans on hold when the mall closed its doors a couple weeks after the show.

“We were actually one of the last ones to leave the mall the day it shut down,” said Baird, remembering walking to his vehicle without knowing when he’d return. “It felt a little like the end of the world.”

Yet, the idea endured, and in early June, Community Art Gallery opened its doors and has enjoyed a robust response from artists and community members alike.

“There is satisfaction in creating something,” Lynam said. “That moment when someone finds something in themselves and can express it … that to me is joy.”

They have been able to bring that joy to people who have participated in some of their classes in events – some of which start at $5 per person. They have seen the excitement in the eyes of kids who may not get as many opportunities to participate in artistic endeavors after so many school-based arts programs have seen their funding

Community Art Gallery employs its “Art for Everyone” motto at its location inside Shawnee Mall near the food court and offers classes, gallery space, sales and inspiration.

evaporate.

They look forward to seeing this joy at weekly art camps hosted at Community Art Gallery during the month of July as well as those who come to enjoy the work on display at the show scheduled July 10-12. They are trying to find a way to share the joy through specific events geared toward special needs individuals.

“This is not (Baird’s) gallery,” Lynam said. “This is not my gallery. This is not the mall’s gallery. This is the community’s gallery.”

For more information about programs, opportunities and events at Community Art Gallery, call (405) 432- 7676 or visit facebook.com/ShawneeOkArts. Information is also available on shopshawneemall.com and facebook. com/shopshawneemall.

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