Features Reporter
The stereotype of art shows is that they are for the rich and fancy art collectors, but downtown Grand Junction has a place dedicated to creating and sharing artwork without falling into this stereotype. From designs engraved on wine glasses to watercolor tattoos, The Raw Canvas contains many different types of art.
“You won’t find anything else like this in Junction,” Raw Canvas owner Justin Nordine said.
The Raw Canvas stands out with the kind of art that they feature. It has many different types and styles that could not be called conservative.
“We are an art co-op,” Nordine said.
This means that the artists that join produce art to sell at the gallery during their year-long membership. The Raw Canvas currently has twenty local artists, some of which are CMU students.
“I used to be an art teacher,” Nordine said. “I still have a lot of compassion for teens.”
On Friday, the Raw Canvas held an art show where 20 percent of the proceeds went directly to The House.
The House is a recently opened charity whose goal is to provide a safe place for teens. The donations will continue to be given through November and December with each purchase.
“Every year we do a show like this,” Nordine said. “We pick a local charity and donate part of our proceeds to it.”
The event wasn’t just for the charity, but also to help businesses in the area.
“This is a local gathering where we try to help support the local community,” Nordine said. “We invite multiple vendors, the catering is a local company, Bin 707, and we invite a local band from the local music scene. Tonight it’s Jack+Jill.”
The gallery usually sees 300 to 500 people show up to an event like this.
The Raw Canvas doesn’t just dabble in traditional art.
“I opened the tattoo parlor in 2008, and in 2010 I opened the art gallery,” Nordine said. “We have three tattoo artists, a photo studio and the art gallery.”
For more information about The Raw Canvas, or for a schedule about upcoming shows, visit TheRawCanvas.net or facebook.com/therawcanvas.
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