Art, More or Less [Gallery]

[This post contains a gallery, so best viewed on the website]

We visited ArtisanWorks (“where art lives!”) with the Chan Clan last weekend. This had been solidly on our Rochester todo list, so we were excited by the prospect of a weird experience. We were not disappointed.

ArtisanWorks occupies a huge former industrial space. They are proud of being both self-supported and huge supporters of artists. They support themselves by renting spaces for weddings/business functions and also lease art to businesses. For artists, they buy collections always paying at or above the artist’s retail price.

We were given a tour by Louis Perticone, the right-brained founder of the space. Louis is a man of 1,000 ideas and ambitions; to transform cities, to transform how people experience art, to transform how museums support themselves.

We visited constructed spaces “Bourbon Street”, “Casablanca”, “Mel’s Diner”, the incongruous “Castle Room” and wandered long hallways stuffed with paintings. We saw workshops and hidden displays. Louis’ tour was a must-see addition to the visit.

When we got home, we were slumped around the dining room table reflecting on the experience. Gina nailed it with the realization that the missing ingredient was curation.

Ginnie had asked at the start of the tour: “Do you turn away donations?” Louis gave a long answer indicating they try not to but have to sometimes. The tour showed there aren’t a lot of “sometimes.” Artist’s works were spread everywhere; so it felt like a game of Where’s Waldo. Art covered the floor, crept up the walls and lived on the ceilings too.

We wished for more rooms dedicated to a single concept or artist. For more less and less more. But if you come visit, Artisanworks will be at the top of the list (Friday-Sunday only ❤️).