A community art gallery box opened Tuesday at Main and Chestnut streets in front of ZU Gallery, offering residents a free, 24/7 art exchange. It is supported by the city of Cortez and the LOR Foundation’s 81321 Launch grant program.
The box was designed and constructed by local multimedia artist and carpenter Tim O’Brien using repurposed materials, ZU Gallery said in a news release.
The box is weather resistant and features a bright interior and protective glass panels. The rules of the box are, “Take a piece, leave a piece.”
People of all ages and skill levels are invited to contribute paintings, drawings, poetry, photographs and sculptures. When someone contributes, they can choose a piece of art to take home with them. Those who leave art are invited to tag their piece with their name, town and age to connect with other artists.
Frances Wisner kicked off the exchange by leaving her landscape painting of the Four Corners region.
“This art gallery box transforms how our community interacts with creativity,” said ZU Gallery owner Jodi Jahrling. “
It also gives artists a new way to exhibit their work and helps build confidence in emerging talent. Visitors to the Cortez area also may contribute.
O'Brien's work can be viewed at ZU Gallery or online at www.eggstomper.com. For more information, visit www.zugallery.com or see the gallery box at ZU Gallery.
