A crowd that literally overflowed onto the sidewalk was on hand Saturday evening for the grand re-opening of the ohm salon + gallery at its new location, 441 Main Street (between Reruns and VISability). Proprietor
Jul Swann combined the re-opening of her salon, with the opening of the gallery’s new art show “Naked In Lyons II.” Swann said there had to be somewhere between 300 and 400 people socializing and enjoying the artwork, the hors d’ oeuvres, and the cake over the course of the evening.Not only did Swann sell four pieces (three paintings and a sculpture) for the various artists who were showing their work, but also, the restaurants on Main Street all reported better than normal nights for their establishments. Now that’s economic development. Talks are now in the works for the possibility of a monthly or bi-monthly “art walk,” which would include area restaurants and coffee shops.
“Naked In Lyons II” was born out of a group show last year at Town Hall. When several of the Board of Trustees felt that a painting, which depicted a woman with bare breasts was “not appropriate” for council chambers and had it removed. In an act of solidarity, many of the artists threatened to pull their work rather than be subjected to arbitrary censorship. The squabble was eventually worked out, but the idea was spawned to create “Naked In Lyons,” a group showing, which “celebrated the beauty of nakedness from the perspective of local artists.” The idea went “viral” as they say, and soon Swann had submissions coming in from all over the country. The show was such a success, that it will now apparently be an annual event.
The show will run through September, and the pieces include: a Latin American-type shrine, a macramé work (titled “knotty girl”), guitars, wire sculptures, paintings on sheet metal, furniture, a glass nude, dozens of paintings, as well as a Barbie Doll, which asks the question – “Is more, sometimes too much?” There were even consumable pieces of art, with a cake that featured some of the paintings, and wine bottles with customized labels made especially for the opening. If you stop by, be sure and catch the bathroom door (both sides)!
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