Buy a small piece of real estate at Location Gallery's 'SAVANNOPOLY' and support Habitat for Humanity
What do you get when you combine some of the Hostess City’s most revered local artists creating portraits of some of the area’s most iconic streets, spaces and places? You get “SAVANNOPOLY.” And it’s back. Due to popular demand, this well-received 2021 debut returns for a second installment, Friday, Oct. 13, at Location Gallery, 251 Bull Street.
“SAVANNOPOLY” boasts 33 well-loved Savannah artists creating two portraits—all uniformly sized at 6” X 8”—that feature locations in and around the city. In total, nearly 70 works depict prime, local real estate that will adorn the walls of Location Gallery through mid-January 2024. A portion of all proceeds supports Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, which is celebrating its 40th year in Savannah.
Gallery Director Peter Roberts, innovation mogul curating the show, describes it as “the landscape-but-not-landscape-show” because each piece is oriented as a portrait, much like the orientation of real estate spaces on a Monopoly board—literally turning the concept on end.
“What makes this show particularly special is how each artist interprets a space or location through their own specific lens and style,” mused Roberts. “It’s the uniformity of installation contrasting with a multitude of styles that makes this show compelling. In 2021, we raised $4,000 for Habitat, and I think what contributed to its success was patrons’ response to the work and its unusual way of documentation.”
In keeping with the Monopoly theme, deed cards with descriptions of art and artists are displayed beneath each work, and a Savannah-local Monopoly board serves as focal piece within the show. Artists Stacie Jean Albano, Claire Barrett, Bob Christian, Tate Ellington, Beth Logan, Jennifer Nolan, Lisa D. Watson and more represent some of the wide-ranging stylistic approaches to the show’s theme.
Heather Young, a returning artist, brings her soft-edged and muted-hued trees to the board. One of her works captures a line of moss-draped oaks along Drayton Street in her unmistakable, dreamy, pastel pallet. She recalls how the first SAVANNOPOLY show was packed on opening night and that many artists sold most of their work.
“I was there when this woman walked in and said ‘I’ll take all the Tate Ellingtons,’ which she did,” emphasized Young. “This show really is a great opportunity for local and visiting collectors to pick up a piece, or pieces, of real estate from their favorite artists. And what helps make this so brilliant is Peter has curated this fun show of local art in a real estate office in the middle of the Historic District. Just brilliant.”
Bernard Nolan, whose architectural paintings debuted earlier this year in his first solo show at the gallery, is a first-time contributor to “SAVANNOPOLY.” His work “Drayton Tower” captures the downtown icon after dark with a range of lights and colors illuminating the building. In front, Nolan has included a ’57 Chevy in homage of the building’s original mid-century construction date.
“First, it’s an honor to be part of anything Peter puts together,” beamed Nolan. “He is the art hub of Savannah in how he organizes and helps connect new artists with more established ones. Drayton Tower was definitely my first pick for this show. We’d been talking about me painting that one, and this turned out to be the show to do that. In some ways this painting is a continuation of my previous show “Savannah at Night” because I’m always interested in chasing interesting colored lighting, and Drayton Tower has all that and so many surfaces and intriguing angles.”
Michelle Perez returns to this year’s show with interpretations of The Cotton Exchange and Colonial Park Cemetery. For Perez, Colonial Park holds special reverence. It’s an easy walk from her home, and about two years ago she began venturing there for plein air painting. While in the cemetery, she felt a sense of the unseen requesting her presence.
“I know it’s haunted, from the weird body feelings I experienced and how it felt that certain areas were calling me to paint them, it’s definitely haunted,” emphasized Perez. “And as I worked on this piece, I wanted to offer honor and reverence to that space. The pathways seemed important, and I focused on those. They offer a metaphor of how life continues even in death.”
In “Colonial Cemetery,” Perez works in sunset-inspired hues to capture the golden hour lingering softly over the park and its walkways. It conveys both ease and fulfillment, like a peaceful hug at the end of a warm summer’s day spent in love and laughter—the very picture of reverence and respect.
For Roberts, “SAVANNOPOLY” is one more way local art collectors and visitors to Savannah can come together and show a little love for local artists while also supporting an important non-profit. Roberts is swift to emphasize that a portion of proceeds goes directly to Habitat for Humanity of the Coastal Empire, with all funds remaining in the community.
“This show really is a win-win for artists and our local Habitat for Humanity chapter,” said Roberts. “Because last time, it was crazy, and all we did was sell art. We sold a lot of moderately-priced art from some of our most recognized artists. And that’s good for everyone, including Habitat. I’d say, if you’re planning on being here, you’d better be here early because stuff is going to go fast.
If You Go >>
What: SAVANNOPOLY is Back! Opening reception
Where: Location Gallery, 251 Bull St., Savannah
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., October 13
Cost: Free to attend
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Location Gallery returns with 'SAVANNOPOLY,' showcasing 33 artists
