In early 2017, the Free Art Fridays initiative made Plant City residents aware of the town’s art movement, and the artists behind them.
Now, members of Off the Tracks Gallery on Reynolds Street — formerly the Art Lounge Gallery – are inviting residents and artists alike to become part of the gallery’s growing network.
On Saturday, March 25, Off the Tracks Gallery will host an Art After Dark event to introduce the community to new, featured artists.
“We’re looking for more opportunities to showcase new art,” Charles Galvin, one of the gallery’s artists, said. “It’s about making connections and bringing people together.”
The reception, which will kick off at 6 p.m., will feature artwork for sale. The evening will include a wine and cheese reception and live music by Zakary Reif.
Residents will have the opportunity to meet the gallery’s newest artists and see their work. New artists include David Sigel, Barbara Tudek, Two Thomas Photography, Born in Fire Raku and Thomas Hutchinson.
“Not all of the artists will be in attendance, but their art will be available for sale,” Rebecca Nipper Galvin, another one the gallery’s artists, said. “The public is invited for active participation. It’s a fresh face, a fresh outlook.”
The gallery has also started hosting art workshop events for both members and non-members, with a goal of connecting artists and helping them improve their work.
“It’s good for artists, and it’s good for drawing attention to the gallery,” Charles Galvin said. “It helps artists get a second eye and a second opinion to discuss different techniques. That’s open to all artists.”
The Art After Dark events, which the gallery hopes to host bi-monthly, are not the only addition. The gallery will be hosting a sidewalk art sale during the Plant City Main Street Food Truck Rally on Friday, March 31.
“We’re coordinating with the food truck Fridays to do a call to
artists for a sidewalk art sale,” Rebecca Nipper Galvin said. The cost to participate is $10 per vendor, and products must be original and created by the vendor. “We’re also planning on staying open later. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays we will be staying open until 7 p.m. We’re hoping that other businesses will want to follow suit so that downtown can have some nightlife. We want to encourage that, to make it an active environment.”
In the future, the gallery hopes to add open mic nights and further art showcases for writers, musicians and more to its growing list of events. Existing gallery members are also planning on teaching private classes for oil painting, watercolors, found object jewelry making and pottery lessons.
“We would like to have a fashion show,” Rebecca Nipper Galvin said. “We’re open to any form of creation.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.