For over 30 years, Gallery 1010 has allowed students to showcase their work and gain professional experience. It is the only nonprofit student-run exhibition space in Tennessee.
This fall, Gallery 1010 moved to a new location at 1150 McCalla Avenue.
The graduate student gallery directors were able to work with the project manager from Dewhirst Properties to customize and tailor the space with custom lighting, plenty of outlets, wall space, and an accessible bathroom. Another advantage of the move was cost savings.
“The gallery supports our budget, and we had been priced out of our last location, so we were thrilled to be able to move into a bigger and better space just down the street that was within our budget,” said gallery director Austin Pratt.
“We are thrilled to be at our new location, a 10-minute walk east down Jackson Street. We are on the ground floor of the new Dewhirst Realty project, the Electric Co. Lofts. . . We are a block south of the first leg of the project, a revitalization of Magnolia between Winona and Jessamine.”
The concept of Gallery 1010 is unique.
While most universities have galleries on campus or designated areas to showcase students’ work, Galley 1010 is a student-run professional exhibition space off campus.
With Gallery 1010, students learn the ins and outs of having a gallery opening. They learn to submit their work, write proposals and artist statements, and craft promotional materials.
Pratt, a graduate student from Reno, Nevada, studying painting and drawing, started working for the gallery two years ago as assistant director.
“This is the real thing, all of the standards and practices that exhibitors learn are the same as industry standards,” said Pratt. “It’s not only an opportunity to have an excellent show and a beautiful space but also a mentorship program for students.”
Students receive a key to the Gallery 1010 on Monday of their exhibition week. They are responsible for the installation of their work and an opening reception on Friday night. After the exhibition, students are responsible for cleaning the gallery so it is ready for the next week’s show.
The gallery director, assistant director, and a committee of senior studio art students have selected 16 students to showcase their exhibitions this fall.
To maximize the space, Gallery 1010 offers pop-up exhibits on Tuesday nights. Students can apply online to display their work, giving them another opportunity to showcase their art.
Pratt wants to keep the space active and collaborate with other departments for events such as poetry readings and musical performances. He adds that they are also collaborating with graphic design students to rebrand the gallery.
“The quality of the shows is getting stronger and stronger,” said Pratt.
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CONTACT:
Amy Blakely (865-974-5034, ablakely@utk.edu)