Have You Noticed The StoreFront Gallery on Marshall

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 16, 2013)

At 477 Marshall, near Allen, there is an adorable live/work space that has attracted various artists over the years.  With tall tin-ceilings, large glass display windows, wood floors and old fashioned architectural details, the new tenant Derek John thinks it is the perfect setting for gallery openings and gatherings.

Unlike the previous artisan tenants, John has a slightly different plan.  He uses the StoreFront Gallery studio space himself during the week, but rents the gallery for shows on the weekends so that other artists can have a classy place to hold their shows and openings.  This way there is an ever-changing lineup of art, and steady income to keep the space open.  Most events will be open to the public.

On Feb. 15 John teamed up with several friends and people he’d only met online to curate the “Your Instagram” exhibit.  For this he chose 24 Instagram photos and put them in frames to sell.  He also put together a projection show to play on the wall.  Your Instagram is a two-day showing that can still be seen on Sat. Feb.16 from 3-9pm.

Vagrants and Valentine also took a corner at the show to display found art jewelry and and one-of-a kind fashion items.

Johns is also the owner of the UnderCutters Landscaping (www.facebook.com/theundercutters) and is DJ in a DJ/guitar/drums/video/mash-up trio called BODYMATH www.facebook.com/bodymath.

The best place to keep up with the latest shows and events is through the StoreFront Gallery’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thestorefrontgalleryferndale.