Student Artery moves to Carrboro ArtsCenter for now

The Student Artery has found another home.

The student-run gallery’s newest exhibit, “Falling Into Place,” will be housed at the ArtsCenter in Carrboro — free of charge.

When the Artery was founded in Fall 2009, moving costs were not included in the budget. Since then, the group has only occupied rent-free spaces, including two locations on Rosemary Street and one at University Mall.

The ArtsCenter usually charges $90 per hour for most organizations and $70 per hour for non-profits and schools.

It will provide space for the Artery for the next month as it continues to search for a permanent home.

Kate St. John, co-director of the Artery, said the gallery plans on building its reputation through temporary shows.

Because of its well established reputation, the ArtsCenter will offer increased visibility, more foot traffic and the support of a staff of people, she said.

Sheridan Howie, the gallery’s other co-director, said a show at a prominent local space like the ArtsCenter is a great opportunity for the gallery.

“Not only will this help to build our relationship with the ArtsCenter, but it is also going to be especially helpful in promoting the Artery to a wider audience.”

Howie said that though she was grateful for the space, its non-exclusive use by the Artery presented some minor logistical issues.

“It’s made gathering work a little tricky,” she said.

“We have to schedule specific times to meet with artists, rather than having a space where they can drop off art at their leisure.”

“Falling Into Place” opened Oct. 1 and will be included in the 2ndFriday Artwalk on Oct. 14.

It features a community-inspired installation piece and various works from UNC students and alumni.

St. John said that since the ArtsCenter is a community space and established gallery, the exhibit won’t be as outrageous as past Artery shows.

Located at 300 E. Main St. in Carrboro, the ArtsCenter looks to help the arts and community not just through exhibitions but also education and performance.

Adam Graetz, marketing director of the ArtsCenter, said he was excited about the show.

“We would love to see a younger demographic coming through our doors,” he said.

“We will benefit by having fresh new ideas coming into the building and being on the walls.”

Graetz also said he wants to strengthen the connection between the local and campus art communities.

“Campus is a large, untapped resource of creativity and energy,” he said.

He also said that he hoped the ArtsCenter would be a resource to emerging artists.

“We really want to start to help younger artists who are getting their feet wet on the campus side.”

Both Artery and ArtsCenter representatives said they hope to maintain this relationship in the future.

“We know how talented our artists are,” Howie said. “Now the greater part of the community will be able to appreciate and celebrate their work.”

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