The Art Of Touring exhibit info

August 6th-29th, 2009
Preview Wednesday, August 5th, 6-8pm
Opening reception Thursday, August 6th, 6-9pm
Special Event Saturday, August 22nd, 6pm

Fontanelle Gallery is pleased to present The Art of Touring, a group exhibition featuring photography by Alissa Anderson (Vetiver), Hannah Mae Blair, Sharon Cheslow, Mia Clarke (Electrelane), Jem Cohen, Erika Spring Forster (Au Revoir Simone), Rebecca Gates, Emma Gaze (Electrelane), Megan Holmes, Andy Moor (The Ex), Tara Jane Oneil, Jean Smith (Mecca Normal) and more.

The exhibition takes place on the occasion of the release of the Square Root Books / Yeti Publication, The Art of Touring, a collection of artwork and writing based on firsthand touring experiences, edited by Sara Jaffe (Erase Errata) and Mia Clarke (Electrelane).

As any touring musician in an independent band knows, life on the road is far from the glamorous experience put forward by popular culture. Touring is frequently tiring, boring, arduous--but also inspiring and stimulating, a unique mode of travel that establishes strange and fleeting relationships to cities, towns and countries. And touring isn't just about playing music; many musicians are also writers or visual artists who find touring an inspiration for their other artistic pursuits. Drawings scribbles in the back of the van, photographs taken during gas station breakdowns, stories dreamt up during interminable sound checks--all are productive outlets for reflecting on the peculiar temporary bubble that is touring life. The Art of Touring is about the stops and starts, the brutal routines and incredible surprises, the celebrations and complaints that, sometimes despite ourselves, make us keep hitting the road.

The special event on Saturday, August 22nd will include readings and performances by Sara Jaffe (Erase Errata), Tara Jane Oneil, and Julianna Bright (The Golden Bears).

The Art of Touring will be on view at Fontanelle Gallery, 205 SW Pine Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue) through August 29th, 2009. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12-6pm and by appointment.