10 weeks, 10 creative projects: 1708 Gallery’s 10 x 10 kicks off June 2nd

A new weekly gallery takeover will push the limits of art and provide all sorts of things for us to do this summer. This week begins with some kindly plant-loving artists who want to help us all be better plant parents.

June 2, 2015; 12:00 PM • by Susan Howson

Title: 10 weeks, 10 creative projects: 1708 Gallery’s 10 x 10 kicks off June 2nd
Blurb: A new weekly gallery takeover will push the limits of art and provide all sorts of things for us to do this summer. This week begins with some kindly plant-loving artists who want to help us all be better plant parents.

Summer can be a tricky time for folks in the arts–traditionally, the season mirrors that of a school year. But 1708 Gallery has put together something very big, just so we don’t spend our summer days wallowing in boredom and allowing our creative minds to melt.

1708’s new 10 x 10 exhibit will hand over the space on Broad Street to an artist or an organization, who will in turn use it to do something new–maybe something that’s never been done before. Or maybe something that will appeal to an audience they’ve never before tried to engage.

The gallery hopes that the project will provide an overall picture of just how adorably zany RVA’s art scene can be.

So, basically, you’ve got a full summer slate of things to try. Can you catch all 10?

Week 1: June 2nd

People via Plants

Previous collaborations between these two have brought forth this fascinating study on the lovechild of a tomato and a philodendron. The soft coo of a saxophone! I love it.

Molnar and Spahr are into plants–helping sick ones get better, giving neglected ones some love. Their stay at the gallery will make it a sort of rehab and foster home for plants. If you’re thinking a little guiltily of that peace lily your mom swore you wouldn’t be able to kill, just know you’re not alone. The two took plant drop-offs all day yesterday, and are incorporating some wellness activities into the week as well as a plant care workshop courtesy of Sneed’s Nursery, who will hopefully tell you how to perk that peace lily right up.

Please note: You’ll want to stop by 1708 this Friday for the Art Walk. There’s a “music for plants dance party” between 7:00 and 9:00 PM.

Special Events

Guided Mediation with Lindsay Parnell

Tuesday, June 2nd • 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Friday, June 5th • 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Ageless Grace Workout with Viju Singh

Thursday, June 4th • 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.

Plant Care Workshop with Sneed’s Nursery

Friday, June 5th • 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Music For Plants Dance Party

Friday, June 5th • 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Plant Pick-Up

Saturday, June 6th • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

1708 Gallery is located at 319 W. Broad Street and is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturdays from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Call 804.643.1708 for more information.