Whispers have been circulating about a shared venture between Kettle Art Gallery and local art-supporting real estate company Deep Ellum 42. Frank Campagna's beloved artist-run haven has been looking for a home since it was forced out of its old location in May, but late last night an announcement was released confirming 42's plans to step in and keep the gallery in Deep Ellum.
I spoke with Deep Ellum 42's Benton Payne yesterday; details were still unconfirmed with documents yet-to-be-signed. He could only say that talks were going well between the two camps. Last night's announcement confirmed the union.
See also: Deep Ellum's Kettle Art Gallery will Close in May and Start Over in a New Neighborhood and Ten Dallas Artists Reflect on how Kettle Art Gallery Changed Their Work and Their LIves
The artists will now inhabit 42 Real Estate's 2650-B Main Street address. Oh, and they've already organized their first show, an endeavor called "Phoenix" happening on September 19, from 7 to 10 p.m. Expect a group exhibition starring Kettle's most dedicated, longtime members.
You've probably already walked these new digs; they've served as temporary housing for several recent projects by local art groups. It's the same space that Stephen Lapthisophon installed his jazzy, solo show in two months back, and the same walls that housed last Saturday night's Caviar Club group exhibition "Under the Chandelier".
It's large, composed of two, long brick-walled rooms, pinched in the center by a generous, open entry. It's certainly a few sizes up from the gallery's old haunt. In fact, it's three times larger than "Classic Kettle." There's still no confirmation on the permanence of this venue or lease details being released, but Kettle members will overhaul the space, starting immediately.
In order to convert the new area from a brick skeleton to an art showroom, a lot of work needs to happen. That comes with a $5,000 price tag. (Think walls, lighting, licensing, electrical, minor interior construction, etc.) Kettle set up a Relaunch Crowdtilt campaign to generate the needed funds in the next 15 days so they can begin nesting.
If you'd like to contribute to Kettle's rebuild and support its mission to foster emerging regional artists, do it here. Then, show up on September 19 for "Phoenix," and see Kettle Art's finished transformation.
