In the latest in our series on people's favorite spaces, Tucson graphic designer and artist Tom Baumgartner talks about his long-time idea made real at Wee Gallery. By Joan Calcagno.
Tom Baumgartner in his wee Wee Gallery. Photo by Gillian Drummond
“This idea has been ruminating a long time. Ever since my days at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago I’ve wanted to do a gallery. Emerging artists need opportunities to show and sell their work - something different than the traditional 50% commission gallery system. It’s expensive to show work and sometimes artists just need a break.
“Last summer my partner Jane Pitts and I found this space for OZMA Atelier, Jane’s vintage clothing store. There was a small space in the back and I started to see a space for my idea to get traction. I had to do a lot of renovation. A month and a half later Wee Gallery had its first show.
A painting by Cristina Cárdenas, who shows at Wee Gallery from December 7. Photo courtesy of Wee Gallery
“The space itself is 13 feet by 13 feet, in the back of the store, separated by a partition and short hallway. Part of the draw is that the gallery is a bit hidden. Some coming to the openings really like that it’s in the back of the store – something you need to know about, a little secret place. There’s a sense of discovery.
“I love the smallness. It’s easy to manage. Standing in the gallery, the work surrounds you.
"Every First Saturday Art Walk, Wee has its opening for the artist being featured that month and I get to have a big party. I don’t have a stable of buyers like a traditional gallery does. So Wee has other things to offer, like help marketing for the openings, and the opportunity to show for free. The artists we show are accomplished and doing quality work. Some are still emerging and can’t get a break; some are getting into juried shows elsewhere and Wee provides more exposure; some have traditional gallery representation and Wee provides the venue to exhibit more experimental work.
“I thought of calling it Small Gallery, but Wee is a bit more antiquated and a better fit with the vintage store. The logo has its roots in a bit of the anti-commission, anti-usual-gallery-system rebellious spirit.
“This space is becoming popular with local artists. I’m an artist myself so I really appreciate what it takes to master the work. The artists are the stars at Wee. I’m honored to get to know them and to participate in the show experience.”
* Wee Gallery is located at 439 N. 6th Avenue inside Ozma Atelier and open Thursday through Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm. Information about artists and upcoming shows can be found on the Wee Gallery website and its Facebook page. For the scoop on the space Wee Gallery shares, check out our feature on OZMA Atelier.
Leave a Reply