Maybe the subtitle ought to be “The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon,” since Dinnerware Artspace began its journey in 1979, and during the subsequent 32 years has stopped along the way in a number of locations. It now resides in a long-vacant produce warehouse at 119 E. Toole Ave., right in the midst of the burgeoning Warehouse Arts District.
Patrick J. McArdle, representing Central Arts Gallery (CAG), which comprises part of the collective, says of the year-long process of situating CAG and Dinnerware, “We started going at it in the typical artist’s way. Reuse, reduce, recycle. We took stuff that was torn apart and tried to reuse it.”
The original large group in the collective has been reduced and a more formal non-profit structure put into place, with by-laws and officers. McArdle is stepping down from his position on the board to concentrate on the traditional darkroom he is establishing in the basement. He plans classes and workshops as well as space for photographers to come in and work on their own.
The new Dinnerware Artspace also includes Dinnerware Press (a printmaking collective), YOGAnomics (a yoga collective), jewelry, ceramics, fashion, Borealis: Downtown (framing), and provides assistance for artists wanting to sell online at Etsy.com. Dinnerware's Director David Aguirre bursts with ideas and proposals.
“What we will be doing here will be totally different. It’ll be the anti-university. I’m going to start something called ‘the Drawing Circle.’ The kids’ class may be advertised as drawing, collage – they may end up migrating over to ceramics, or they may end up taking photographs – a flow of interests, a ‘curiosity center.’”
Borderlands Brewery is being installed in the northwest wing by Myles Stone, a medical student who promises a “scientific approach to beer brewing,” according to Aguirre. And parked outside is a newly acquired vintage food truck. “We think we’re going to create a food truck culture” (a la Austin, TX). “It’s not really here yet – we have hot dogs, tacos, burgers.” With two side yards, Aguirre thinks the potential is there.
In addition to the classes, workshops and lectures, Aguirre is excited about the upcoming months. “We’re going to do events here over the summer; it’ll be event driven. We have enough things in play here.”
The roster includes “Ignite Tucson,” June 3 at 7pm, $5; “Summer Art Cruise,” the introduction to Dinnerware’s summer class and event schedules on June 4; “Flash Flood Yoga” on June 5, 2pm-3:30pm, free; “Bad Grrl Films” at 7pm on June 9, $5; “Eat Dinner/Fund an Artist” on June 10, $15. Eat dinner, listen to artist proposals, vote. The chosen artist gets money to fund his or her art; Fashion Show, “Venus, in Gemini,” on June 18 from 7pm-10pm, $10; The annual “Salon des Refuses Artist Reception,” 7pm-9pm on June 24; And finally, on June 30 at 7pm, “Slide Shark!” For foodies, a potluck style buffet with beer by donation. Watch images of local artists set to music by selected local DJs.
Dinnerware Artspace is located online at Facebook.com/dinnerware and available via email at dinnerwareartspace@gmail.com.
