The pandemic’s turmoil has caused the closure of many beloved activities, yet Grand Junction & Colorado Mesa University (CMU) has a love for art that persists.
Despite Grand Junction’s Downtown Art Exhibit’s brief closure in March due to COVID-19, they reopened in August, coming back full throttle the first week of February with a new exhibit, “Through The Viewfinder.”
Though the gallery is allowed to open back up with certain restrictions, the previous closure caused an alteration in their schedule. Additional details can be found at by looking up “437CO Art Gallery” on CMU’s website.
“Now, last fall was not typical, because of the March shut down last year. Our seniors didn’t get to have an in-person exhibit like originally planned. So last fall, we exhibited their work, so that they still had an opportunity to have that show,” CMU Department Head and Professor of Art & Design Suzie Garner said. “In some cases, they had already graduated, but they still got a chance to come in and exhibit their work, because that’s a really big deal for them, and we didn’t want them to miss out on that opportunity.”
However, for many the art gallery is not only important because of the art itself, but because of the sense of community.
“The art gallery closing takes away that intimate setting and ability to meet new people and bond over a common interest,” CMU junior majoring in graphic design with a minor in studio art, Davis Moore said.
Because of the pandemic, gathering in vast quantities and socializing is prohibited, the sizes of crowds that could gather and socialize as Moore said dropped sharply.
“The only thing that has changed because of COVID is the way we do the receptions. Those are pretty strict, where are we allowed to have 20 people in the gallery at a time,” Garner said. “And that’s a big shift. In March of 2020, our last first Friday reception had over 500 people.”
This major change would prove fatal to many entertainment and art industries by reducing how many people can legally attend events, however, the downtown exhibit has been able to adapt to the sudden restrictions.
“We’re still opening, we’re still having receptions of the studio are seniors. For example, we’ll invite who they want to be there specifically. And then as those people come and then leave, we can let other people in,” Garner said.
In addition, there will be open hours Monday through Saturday, from noon to five pm, so that anyone who wants to visit can, while also being socially distanced.
“I love going to the art gallery, the people and energy are so great and supportive. So many people in one place who love art,” CMU junior Davis Moore said. “The ability to meet other artists is the most important part of the gallery. Shows usually bring people together who have a common interest- art.”
Not only is visiting now a possibility, but for those with little to do during the pandemic, as well as those interested in the world of photography and art, visiting the gallery is a must-do.
