SARATOGA SPRINGS – Spring Street Gallery brought together nearly 100 artists and performers for its “Darkness/Light” exhibit, which opened with a reception on February 6. The exhibit and reception, which nearly 500 people attended, raised money and awareness for Code Blue Saratoga, which provides shelter, food and other necessities to those who are homeless during winter’s harsh weather conditions.
“Darkness/Light” is the second open-call exhibit that Spring Street Gallery has held to benefit Code Blue. “The Blue Show,” presented in January 2015, raised thousands of dollars for Code Blue. In donations alone, “Darkness/Light” has already raised $1,500 for Code Blue, and art sales are still going on.
Maureen Sager, Executive Director of Spring Street Gallery, said ““These open-call shows for Code Blue have been really inspiring; first, because of the incredible artwork that people create to fit the theme of the show, and second, because everyone – the artists and the audience – get to demonstrate how our community pulls together to help others.”
“There is something for everyone in this show,” said Belinda Colon, Installation Manger at Spring Street Gallery, who, along with her daughter Charlie Gleeksman, also contributed artwork to the show. Colon led a team of volunteers in hanging the dozens of pieces of artwork for the exhibit. “It’s really exciting to see such an outpouring of creativity from our community.”
The artists involved in the exhibit, which were given about a month to craft a piece after given the theme of darkness and light, were very enthusiastic about creating art for Code Blue’s cause.
“We live in such a lovely town, and it’s hard to know that some of our fellow residents struggle to stay warm and fed,” said poet Marilyn McCabe, whose work is displayed at the exhibit. “That 100 artists chose to offer up work to help out the Code Blue program is inspiring, and a good antidote to cynicism about the state of the world. I was happy to be a part of it, and to experience through this colorful and diverse show all the interesting work people are up to.”
“Darkness/Light” had an open-call submission process, and attracted artists from all ages, backgrounds and genres. From dance, music and poetry to photography, painting and fiber arts, the show features a wide range of imagination and originality, all developed out of a passion for a great cause.
Mary Ellen O’Loughlin, another artist involved in “Darkness/Light” said, “What I find so thrilling about Spring Street Gallery’s exhibition to benefit Saratoga’s Code Blue program is that it brings together artists of all abilities to not only demonstrate their skills in a comfortable and supportive environment, but also to consider the conditions some in our community endure during these cold months. As I thought about this year’s theme, I reflected on the relationship of darkness and light, and chose to depict the promise of hope from hopelessness.”
“Darkness/Light” is currently on display at Spring Street Gallery, located at 110 and 112 Spring Street, and is open to the public.
For more information about Spring Street Gallery, visit springstreetgallerysaratoga.org. To learn more about Code Blue Saratoga, visit codebluesaratoga.org.
