Synopsis

221B is a black box gallery concept. It presents new, especially experimental, hybrid or multi-disciplinary work by artists of all ages and backgrounds. I am very interested in art that delves into the culture, history and landscape of the region. Having had one foot in the public art world for thirty years, I am very interested in art that engages community, meaningful social issues and is collaborative.

CLUES AND CONTACT

Periodic updates about the project - and why Trinidad? - will be posted on the Facebook page specific to this endeavor. Exhibition updates can also be found on IG https://www.instagram.com/jakethesheik/

For immediate inquiries, please contact Mark Johnstone at: 221bgallery@gmail.com.

IN DEVELOPMENT

A residency program will be initiated in 2024. related to the project. There is a full bedroom and private bath in my residence, which can accommodate one or two people. These residencies will be open to historians, scientists, curators, scholars and artists. Individuals accepted to the program will be provided the room accommodations, use of the premises and a modest stipend. Guidelines for residency application will be available on the website in late fall 2023.

THE SPACE AND SERVICES

Visiting and viewing the gallery will be by appointment only, unless there is a scheduled event. There will be no regular roster of artists, and no artwork from past exhibitions stored on the premises. The gallery will not provide any art handling services. Sales will be made directly between the artist and the buyer, unless prior arrangements have been made. The space will be by appointment only. It is on the grounds where I live, and the flexibility of accommodating visitors will be much broader than a conventional storefront.

The building is a converted one car garage, approximately 270 square feet, on the rear of my property. Approximately 62 running feet on the perimeter interior, 7’ 6” high walls, concrete floors, designed lighting. The space can be modified. The west slide of the building faces an open lawn area which can seat approximately 40 people with social distancing. There is a level bricked patio 10’ x 30’ feet in front of the west gallery wall, suitable to serve as a performing area.

my background

This program will operate under Media Arts Advocates, LLC which has been in existence since 2012. I’ve worked professionally in the arts for over forty years, been the curator of hundreds of artists in all media through over eighty exhibitions, and extensively written about art, principally photography. For more information about me, please search “mark johnstone public art.”