Keeping art on the walls

The Bilderbach Art Plaza downtown might appear different each month while artists try to keep the space open and inviting.

The O'Tenem Gallery, which opened in the building at 5 N. Main St. in May 2010, recently disbanded, but a few artists are stepping up to keep the area full of art.

Aaron Horrell was part of the O'Tenem Gallery. He and Marcia Williamson decided to try to make a go of it in the space after the group dissolved. Horrell's building walls and recruiting artists to rent space and display works.

The situation speaks to the energy and resolve of local artists who just want to keep the lights on and the art hung.

O'Tenem held the south side of the building. With the group no longer operating, prime real estate in the front window, a solo display space and a large room were vacated.

Rather than let the space sit empty, the current tenants pitched in to create a staging area up front with a living room set up, a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen example all showing what you can do with the art they offer.

If you see a bowl at Mozaic and think, "Well that's nice, but what would I do with it?" they have your answer.

Eventually, Malcolm McCrae hopes to move into the front space to display his airbrush art. McCrae had arranged to rent the area and open Dansi Art Gallery, a "cutting edge" gallery and boutique, he said.

But like so many others in the area, McCrae's home and his art shop were damaged by the incessant rain this spring. He's had to postpone the opening but still has the plan in mind.

Much of his art slated for the show sustained water damage, but McCrae comes from a tight-knit group of artists, many of whom have donated money or art supplies to his website, www.hiphop-airbrush.com. He's sharing that good fortune with other Bootheel artists he knows suffered this season. A few area artists have gone to help him tear out molded sections of the house or shop and start the rebuilding process.

Until that's finished, Dansi has been put on hold, but temporary art continues to fill the space, leaving no wall undecorated.