Third Space will host an open house Friday, Oct. 9
By JONAH BERMAN – arts@theaggie.org
On Oct. 9, Third Space Art Collective will open its exhibition “Faces,” which will be on display until Oct. 31. The exhibition will also feature a reception on Oct. 9 as part of the Davis ArtAbout, a monthly art walk through different galleries in Davis.
The show is inspired by an animation from local artist Katerina Hanks and features works submitted through an open call for submissions in any medium. Third Space’s monthly shows frequently highlight works from different parts of the local community, according to Third Space President Jord Nelsen.
“Anybody can submit to our shows,” Nelsen said. “We’ve had little kids submit stuff before. It’s just a matter of how they become aware of it.”
Third Space, which has been open since 2013, has existed in multiple iterations over its tenure. Currently, its events and outreach have led to a flourishing environment. The collective has expanded its programs and resources in recent years, including a free art supply pantry.
“It’s a really welcoming environment,” Hanks said. “The art supply pantry is a rarity in its existence at all and it’s one of the best art supply pantries out there.”
Hanks’ initial animation originated from the “Make Your Own Little Movie” short film festival held by Third Space last May, inspired by an Italian synthpop track from the 1980s.
“Somewhere early in the ideation process, I heard this song ‘Faces’ [by Clio] and just had such a vivid image of it as an animation that I was like, I guess I’m gonna learn to animate,” Hanks said.
After initially planning a self-portrait show for October, Gallery Director Lou Taylor pivoted to the new theme after viewing Hanks’ animation.
“It just clicked when seeing that animation from Kat,” Taylor said. “Let’s not do a self-portrait show, let’s do a show of faces. That animation just really inspired me.”
During the exhibition, Hanks’ original Faces animation will be presented again, alongside interactive activities and artworks in a variety of mediums, including painting, ceramics, collages, mixed media, and printmaking. Nelsen emphasized the vibrant and unique atmosphere that will characterize the gallery during the show.
“The space in general is not your typical gallery space,” Nelsen said. “It’s vibrant, and you can feel the creative energy. It’s not just going into a clean-slate room where the walls are really clean and all you’re doing is absorbing yourself into the exhibit. It’s a different experience.”
The open-ended theme reveals varied perspectives of the artists. Taylor noted the opportunities for unique displays within the gallery space, highlighting that different juxtapositions of works could evoke unexpected reactions. Submissions have included portraits of family members and prints of iconic historical figures, prompting attendees to contemplate how the face expresses fleeting truths, according to Hanks.
“You get so much in so little of a person from how they look on the outside,” Hanks said. “It’s kind of like the essence of the individual. But we also forget that it’s totally impermanent and ephemeral.”
Taylor is enthusiastic about the show because of its content and the inclusive environment it aims to foster. Third Space seeks to distinguish itself as an open platform for new artists.
“I like the idea of making things as open as possible for people who want to put their art up in galleries,” Taylor said. “Submitting your art to shows is always intimidating. I think a lot of the shows feel special to me at Third Space because if you want to have something in the show, we can get it to work.”
Taylor hopes the show will provide a thought-provoking space for visitors while helping to build connections among local artists. As an artist themselves, they see this as a central but often overlooked aspect of art exhibitions.
“One of my favorite parts of opening receptions is introducing artists to each other,” Taylor said. “It’s hard to talk to people you don’t know, and that’s one reason I like having open calls: to get as many people into a space at once. If an art-opening reception can connect people and artists, I feel like that’s the most important thing.”
The reception for “Faces” is on Oct. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m., and the exhibition will be on display throughout the month.
Written by: Jonah Berman — arts@theaggie.org
