New Gallery
Definitely not the VAG
New Gallery By SAMUEL HANNAH
Amid the huddled warehouses and diesel fumes that rise up around Main and 6th is a business as unusual as its name. It is called The Grunt, and it is an art gallery. Even its first show was unusual— not the regular Vancouver art fare. Running from Sept. 20 to Oct. 19, the Pope Show featured the works of 15 artists, each work a comment on Pope John Paul ll's visit to Canada or the Catholic Church or organized religion. Many were satirical, many were political. The Grunt (the name is just an eye-catcher) is run as a cooperative by 11 people, according to one of its members Glen Alteen. Alteen is not an artist but does most of the gallery's organizing. The idea to form The Grunt grew out of a party last winter at Alteen's house, which was about to be torn down, Alteen
Samuel Hannah—photo
art institutions in town so they ed Than You Should Be. The drawing was part Garry Ross and Claire the cat stand beside were having trouble getting of The Grunt art gallery's The Pope Show. Ross' drawing You Seem To Be More Concernshows." munity a way of communicatThe social and political All shows between now and In June, Alteen and his ing, says Ross. ,1' concern of the members and Christmas will feature the work friends "and friends of friends" Although most of the co-op their friends is another reason of co-op members and acquainformed a co-op so they would for forming The Grunt They tances, says Alteen. However, have a showcase for themselvesmembers don't live in the area, wanted a gallery that would not he emphasizes the gallery is and other artists shut out by the Ross said they feel a part of it. also eager to show the work of "I think we share something deny anyone the chance to mainstream art galleries. local and young artists. express their views. of the spirit of thic* area of "If they know there's a Members of the co-op place they can get a showing, it Six shows are slated beI . Alteen adds: "It would be gdlleryhope to bepome a non-,. '"hyeert now and Christmas. silly to open in this part of town profit society after Christmas, Before moving out, he harder," Alteen adds. The gallery is at"209E. 6th and not be a part of the Alteen says. invited several friends over to The pretentiousness of Avenue. Further information community. I can't see Shaugh"It's actually a trial period paint murals all over the walls. Vancouver art galleries incan be obtained by phoning timidates and discourages the nessy matrons lining up outside for us until Christmas," he Many of his friends there 8759516. The Grunt." _ _ _ _ _ ^ ^ _ adds. were artists, and they began to public, savs artist and gallery discuss their problems with the member Garry Ross. "What is important to me," Vancouver art establishment 'The Vancouver art scene he says, "is to keep (The Grunt) on a people level." seems very closed," says A gallery should give the Alteen. "Most of the people here were not connected to the main artists and surrounding com-
New Gallery By SAMUEL HANNAH
Amid the huddled warehouses and diesel fumes that rise up around Main and 6th is a business as unusual as its name. It is called The Grunt, and it is an art gallery. Even its first show was unusual— not the regular Vancouver art fare. Running from Sept. 20 to Oct. 19, the Pope Show featured the works of 15 artists, each work a comment on Pope John Paul ll's visit to Canada or the Catholic Church or organized religion. Many were satirical, many were political. The Grunt (the name is just an eye-catcher) is run as a cooperative by 11 people, according to one of its members Glen Alteen. Alteen is not an artist but does most of the gallery's organizing. The idea to form The Grunt grew out of a party last winter at Alteen's house, which was about to be torn down, Alteen
Samuel Hannah—photo
art institutions in town so they ed Than You Should Be. The drawing was part Garry Ross and Claire the cat stand beside were having trouble getting of The Grunt art gallery's The Pope Show. Ross' drawing You Seem To Be More Concernshows." munity a way of communicatThe social and political All shows between now and In June, Alteen and his ing, says Ross. ,1' concern of the members and Christmas will feature the work friends "and friends of friends" Although most of the co-op their friends is another reason of co-op members and acquainformed a co-op so they would for forming The Grunt They tances, says Alteen. However, have a showcase for themselvesmembers don't live in the area, wanted a gallery that would not he emphasizes the gallery is and other artists shut out by the Ross said they feel a part of it. also eager to show the work of "I think we share something deny anyone the chance to mainstream art galleries. local and young artists. express their views. of the spirit of thic* area of "If they know there's a Members of the co-op place they can get a showing, it Six shows are slated beI . Alteen adds: "It would be gdlleryhope to bepome a non-,. '"hyeert now and Christmas. silly to open in this part of town profit society after Christmas, Before moving out, he harder," Alteen adds. The gallery is at"209E. 6th and not be a part of the Alteen says. invited several friends over to The pretentiousness of Avenue. Further information community. I can't see Shaugh"It's actually a trial period paint murals all over the walls. Vancouver art galleries incan be obtained by phoning timidates and discourages the nessy matrons lining up outside for us until Christmas," he Many of his friends there 8759516. The Grunt." _ _ _ _ _ ^ ^ _ adds. were artists, and they began to public, savs artist and gallery discuss their problems with the member Garry Ross. "What is important to me," Vancouver art establishment 'The Vancouver art scene he says, "is to keep (The Grunt) on a people level." seems very closed," says A gallery should give the Alteen. "Most of the people here were not connected to the main artists and surrounding com-
