Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Allentown Chen-Arts (CHARGE) first group show!


The Allentown Chen Arts Group includes artists living and working in Allentown, as well as regional artists who are interested in exhibiting and selling their work in Allentown. The group includes visual artists, film makers, musicians, dancers, writers, and creative people of all ages who are interested in supporting and promoting the arts in Allentown.

The group was started in April of 2008 by Allentown artist/musician Angie Villa, who contacted people through her blog Lehigh Valley Somebody. The word spread, and many local artists came together to challenge the present notion of what defines art in Allentown. Since the closing of Open Space Gallery on Hamilton Street, there has been little opportunity for artists to show and sell their work in Allentown. The Allentown Chen Arts Group intends to have group art shows and create a thoughtful and meaningful art scene led by the artists.

The group is called “Chen Arts” because we meet for good food and conversation at the fabulous House of Chen restaurant on Hamilton St. in Allentown. We also meet monthly as a group for parties and events at artist’s studios/homes where we share slides or images of our work. In the spirit of community building we are hopeful that our group will help to promote a positive image of Allentown through the arts. Anyone is welcome to join CHARGE and be a part of a new and growing art scene in Allentown. If you are an artist interested in joining our group, please sign our guestbook or e-mail Angie Villa at Ayngie4@aol.com


Click to enlarge flyer. There will be 16 visual artists and 2 film makers at our show.


Thanks to Matt Lewis for designing the flyer. And special thanks to Pete Lewnes for hosting and organizing.


UPDATE: I fixed the flyer picture. Hope it looks better now!
Oops, if it doesn't enlarge, the small type says "In conjunction with the Old Allentown Preservation Association House Tour" Any questions, please leave a comment. Mrs. D.

24 comments:

Mrs. Dottie said...

Note: the guestbook I am referring to will be at our show on Oct. 4th.

Sarina said...

I am really excited about the show! I think there's going to be some high quality work represented. I like that we have our own little community coming together here in Allentown.

Mrs. Dottie said...

Hi Sarina,

I updated the flyer! Sorry I could not post the actual flyer document to my blog, so I had to take a photo. Yes, this is very exciting, thanks for helping.

The Unspoken Word said...

YEAH i like to spread this out.. amd make sure the other smaller cities.. ex.
Easton, and Bethleham
know. Allentown is in Charge.

Bill Villa said...

Wow, a mere five months+, from germ of an idea, to 1st Group Show! Somebody check, this could be an Allentown PA record! And to think that the actual artists assembled and are driving this well-oiled machine, hmm, how about that :)

Greatly looking forward to the 1st Chen Arts Group Show at Pete's place on 10/4!

Anonymous said...

and no "business plan" ;) that would have taken a year

Anonymous said...

Great poster! Artists are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Pancho said...

I'm looking forward to the event. Seeing the creative energy of a whole group of people is always so inspiring.

Mrs. Dottie said...

Greg,

I think it's about time something got started in ALlentown, since the other cities you mentioned have somewhat of an art scene going on with galleries, so now they can come to A-town for a new scene, baby!

Hi Pancho, I agree!

Itz Me Dave said...

I am very excited about this show. The group has shown great motivation and determination in making all of this a reality. I have been telling others in person and online as well. I am proud to be a part of this and very much looking forward to next weekend!

Bill Villa said...

Hey Itz Me Dave, that's the idea, let's all get the Chen Buzz Buzzin' ...

Joyce Marin said...

I scooped you on the Chen-Arts show by mentioning it on my blog: allentowngoodnews.blogspot.com when I was describing this year's Old Allentown House Tour.

Thanks for giving more information about the show. This is a great event, a "must see" for people from all around the Lehigh Valley. Don't forget to invite them to the Old Allentown House Tour the same day, though. The tickets to the tour are $15 if purchased before the show, $20 each if purchased the day of the event.

ZFollweiler said...

I'm really excited about the show!
I'm also greatful to be working with wonderful people like Mrs. Dottie and Pete!

Bill Villa said...

Oh there's a House Tour the same day? I'm kidding ;) but of course there is. And that's the genius of Pete Lewnes's idea to have the 1st CHARGE group show the same day: cuz of the House Tour's built-in audience of 800+ people who will all be in the mood for "studying things closely." Pete Lewnes. A Brilliant Chenster.

Sarina said...

Chensters. Chennies. Chennites. Chennians. Chenners. Chenlings.

I love the possible variations on the members' names. Anyone have any others?

Mrs. Dottie said...

Thanks Z, I enjoy working with people who are committed to making this happen. Pete has been great, and has done so much extra work.

And of course all the artists who are volunteering their time and talents. It's a group effort!

Bill Villa said...

Chenaroonies, Chenerators, ChennyChenChens ...

Mrs. Dottie said...

Cheneration X'ers, Chenuine,
Chentlemen

petelewnes said...

ok...have i mentioned that i'm trying to have a kitchen put in and cleaning up home for the tour...please don't think that I've abandoned the group...i'm just just...bussssyyyyyy

have I mentioned recently that all you guys are great!

now if anyone is interested in helping with cleaning...don't be shy...i'll be working all weekend :)

Mrs. Dottie said...

Pete,

Thanks for working so hard to make this art show happen. I really appreiciate it! Can't wait to see the new kitchen, I hope you will still maintain the retro vibe!

petelewnes said...

wait...just wait...i'll always do gas station chic...but this is a bit sophisticated if i do say so myself...god bless ikea!

3BG said...

I'm glad to see this taking off. It's always a fledgling art community that lays the groundwork for revitalizing a community. I hope to get there and see the work of the film makers.

Mrs. Dottie said...

Hi Chris,

Thanks, I hope you can make it.
This will be very positive for our downtown, thanks to the hard work of the artists, especially Pete Lewnes and everyone involved in hanging and curating the show.

Mrs. Dottie said...

Note to artists or anyone who plans on attending,

The show is free, but if you can donate food or drink that would be greatly appreciated. I am baking lemon bars, since Pete loves them!

Or a small monetary donation would be appreciated to cover the expense of food, drink and materials. Whatever you can afford.
We plan on ordering some House of Chen food. Please see me or Pete at the show, or e-mail me if you can contribute.

Thanks,

Mrs. D