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Local art gallery creates an experience

Written by Kegan Sandoval

Wednesday, 28 January 2009 04:31 PM

Courtesy from F6 Art Gallery

Upcoming Shows

Electro Shock II Show 8 p.m. Friday
All art is created and inspired by lasers, lights, wires, computers, UFOs, machines and the world of technology.
2nd Anniversary Show 8 p.m. February 28 The Girl’s Show 8 p.m. March 28

Since its doors opened almost two years ago, F6 has been the hottest art gallery in the Metroplex and was voted the Best Gallery 2008 by Fort Worth Weekly. Hundreds of local and out-of-state artists roll through, bringing style and culture that embodies today’s youth. Graffiti heavily decorates the walls, and original art made from doors, skateboards, and air conditioning units make F6 the place to be.

Each month, the F6 Gallery throws one huge art show, which is more like a festival, featuring artists from Arlington to New York.

Where to Go

F6 Gallery 2800 W. Division St. www.f6gallery.com info@f6gallery.com

Many students from the university have seen their art adorn the walls. Live disc jockeys drop the beats all night to keep the place bumping.

The crowd, the atmosphere and the music burst into a celebration of life in all shades of color and sounds. At each show, you can expect to be joined by 50 or more people taking in the experience. Artists mingle among the crowd, talking about their pieces and sharing stories.

Unlike traditional galleries, the art at F6 is breathed to life by the beat of the streets, the heart of our culture and the passion of our generation.

F6 doesn’t discriminate against art — anything from graffiti art, to sculpture, glass and photography can be displayed on the walls. If they choose to, artists can paint on the walls, which allows the gallery to take on a feel that it is truly versatile and unique.

Artists get a space to create their own minigallery forming a beautiful-color collage with other artists. After the show, the walls are painted over, and the art is remembered through pictures and the minds of those who saw it.

“Be open-minded when you walk in,” said co-founder Kevin Thornton. “More than likely, you will see stuff you have never seen before.”

Struck with an idea in 2007, Thornton suggested that F6 founder Mike Smith transform his empty storage warehouse into a haven for local artists. Unlike other art galleries, Smith and Thornton wanted to eliminate the commission cut that galleries charge artists whenever they sell a piece.

Instead, they ask artists to pay a $20 fee to hang art in the gallery, and the artists’ revenue goes to them. From that idea, a few phone calls were made, Web sites were constructed and before long, the first of many shows was underway.

Smith’s love for art has kept the gallery in the limelight for almost two years.

Charging no cover, Smith doesn’t make any money from his art warehouse — he actually pays to keep the project afloat. A team of people, including founder and promoter Jeru Gabriel, co-founder Cameron Thompson, Web designer Daniel Yubeta and public relations operator Kerrie Conover put spare time into F6’s day-to-day management.

“I couldn’t do it without the great people that help me out,” Smith said.

The shows usually start at 8 p.m. and run until midnight.

While it’s free to get in, you may want to bring some cash in case you want to take your favorite piece home with you. Prices on artwork range anywhere from $5 to $250.

With people coming and going, parking usually isn’t a problem, and it’s free. If you’re of age, you can pick up a six pack of suds and make F6 your place to party because it’s BYOB. Underage drinking is not permitted.

Recently, Smith has been searching for a new home for F6 Gallery. As of right now, after every show the art is taken down, but Smith wants to create a gallery where people can come and enjoy the art throughout the next month.

If you are an aspiring artist yourself, you have an opportunity to be featured in one of the gallery’s showings. MySpace has been the primary means of finding local artists for Smith and his gallery. If you think you have what it takes, send in an e-mail and try your luck. You can find more information about F6 Gallery at www.myspace.com/f6gallery or www.f6gallery.com.

Get to Know Your Local Artists

Ray Albarez

Hailing from Dallas, Ray Albarez will be featured in the F6 Gallery with his piece titled “Effects of Technology- Part 2.” The piece is inspired by the electronic theme of the show and symbolizes the joys and hardships that technology has brought into his life. Albarez’s style has no particular form.

“I don’t care what it is I do, as long as I’m painting,” he says.

Everything from personal experiences, to radio and television inspire his creations.

Elizabeth Ballard

One of our own, 29-year-old business senior Elizabeth Ballard, will be showing off one of her abstract paintings. Tying into the Electro Shock theme, Ballard created a painting that was inspired by cyber stalkers and people who creep around MySpace and Facebook.

She started creating art whenever she needed decorations for her apartment and began flipping through magazines for ideas. From there, she fell in love with art.

Her artwork was shown at 500X Gallery, as well as George’s Frame & Art Gallery.

Joe Art

With tantalizing sculptures, Joe Art has been on the block for a while. Fort Worth Weekly recognized him as the Outsider Artist of the Year in 2007. Guided by what is going on in his life, Art creates what is known as assemblage — putting sound objects together to form a sculpture.

A tortured doll wired to a circuit board and a 4-foot tall sculpture made of rusted nails, titled “My Honorary Vagina,” will be displayed at the show.

“It will make you want to touch it,” Art said.

Matt Sacks

Matt Sacks, the 2006 alumnus will also join the artists at F6. Sacks, also a sculptor, began at Tarrant County College.

There, he came into contact with Peter Feresten, TCC photography assistant professor, Mark Penland, TCC photography lab professor, Leighton McWilliams, UTA photography assistant professor and Andrew Ortiz, UTA photography associate professor. Sacks finds inspiration in the what he calls the corrupted capitalist culture and attitude.

Hatziel Flores

Coming to the show in February, you can look forward to this local Dallas artist with his surreal oil and canvas artwork inspired by hip-hop.

Flores formed his roots when he was 16, tagging under bridges and competing with other street artists. Taking the negative things in life, he transforms that energy and anger into art.

“I use the negative energy to make something positive, and in a creative way,” he said.

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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 April 2009 08:17 PM )

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