Finding lost dogs homes
 

by Stew Mosberg

Durango has several galleries where people can see and buy art, but what also helps define an art community is its unconventional spaces that exhibit and sell artwork. One such venue is The Lost Dog Bar & Lounge on Main Avenue and 11th Street. Although the eatery and watering hole has displayed art since its opening in 2005, it has truly ramped up its artistic activity this past year.

When the concept of bringing art into the establishment was first proposed by artist Erin Mahoney, The Lost Dog’s owner Ann Morse took to the concept immediately. Following a limited renovation, the addition of better lighting and flattering colored walls, Morse asked friend and photographer McCarson Jones to manage the exhibits and find the appropriate artists. Jones is ideally qualified, not only because of her own exhibition expertise, but because her experience running highly successful guerilla art show fund-raisers, which are well attended and typically sell out.

 

                       The restaurant now features an “artist of the month” whose works are exhibited and offered for sale. “The way she honors the artists of the month with the receptions and (subsequent) sales is beautiful,” said Jones. “Artists are in awe of that, and their excitement about their shows is evident.”
While the shows benefit artists who might not otherwise get the exposure, it also offers an advantage to the restaurant’s ambiance. “Every art show makes the place look different,” said Morse. “It transforms the whole atmosphere.”

Another residual gain for The Lost Dog is that the art brings in new patrons through the doors, many  of them new customers.

Morse’s generosity as patron of the arts is evidenced by the receptions she hosts for each new show including a specialty beverage plus appetizers for all the guests; all without taking a commission from the sale of the art. Many exhibitors have had their first show at Lost Dog and happily, each has sold something. So, it’s no surprise that word of mouth spread fast within the artist community, keeping Jones busy. In fact, as of now, shows have been scheduled through March 2013.

Virtually all of the artists who have exhibited at The Lost Dog have had similarly positive experiences. Jazz Morgan, who recently shared an exhibition with Pat Senecal, said she appreciated the professionalism, flexibility and freedom. “Carson is the right person for that job; there is a feeling of respect in all aspects of dealing with the exhibition and opening,” she said. “I (had) 45 pieces in the exhibit; the rooms are large and you may exhibit the work in any style you feel is appropriate.”

One of the first artists to exhibit at The Lost Dog was Kristen Smith. She was able to display more than two dozen paintings, of which 15 sold. Smith, also a saxophonist with her own band, was given the opportunity to play at the reception. “(Ann) gave me the opportunity to showcase all my talents; (she) truly supports me and the unique artists here in Durango,” said Smith. “Carson was also very supportive. She was there for me to help hang my show and provided me with photographs to document the reception. I gained lots of new admirers and new collectors who purchased my work. I also gained three commissioned jobs to paint custom works for people.”

Although the receptions give the public a chance to meet the artists and discuss their work, patrons not attending an opening can still enjoy the artwork because it remains on view for almost an entire month.

Morse is encouraged by the superb results and looks ahead to each new program, explaining, that she and her manager, Chris Stanton, look forward to each new show.

Not all people like the same art, but according to Morse, they all appreciate it. “If it doesn’t appeal to them, they know there will be another show to look forward to,” she said.

Stanton wholeheartedly agrees. “Everyone is so complimentary,” he said. “It’s just such a positive vibe.”

Artist Dan Groth creates images that are beautifully drawn and in some instances, reminiscent of illustrations for Grimm’s fairytales. While he has had success in other locales, finding the right venue for his drawings is not always easy. His Lost Dog show in January opened a lot of new doors for him and proved to be a great success.

Groth said he sold more at his show in January than at any of the other galleries he’s been in, and he was a bit overwhelmed with the great responses he received. “I feel like The Lost Dog has come to inhabit a much-needed niche as an alternative gallery aspiring to show interesting, high-quality art,” he said.

Jones shed additional light on the value of The Lost Dog as an art space by saying, it’s obvious that Durango is full of creative people needing that little push into the spotlight. “We just have to support and encourage them as artists to show their work; to get over that first hump if you will.” n

Regional artists interested in exhibiting at The Lost Dog can contact McCarson Jones at Mccarsonjones@hotmail.com.