HYPERLOCAL NEWS HUB BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM
The Art of the Neighborhood: Cooper-Young Fest Invitational
Photos and story by Erica Hartsfield/MicroMemphis Contributor
September 19, 2011
The David Perry Smith Gallery looks like a normal, everyday place that many people pass by on their daily commutes to work, never giving it a second thought. This year, the tiny art gallery housed the kick-off event for the CooperYoung Festival, an annual event that celebrates the area’s local talent.
On Sept. 15, the art invitational started the Cooper Young Festival by introducing local artists and painters. Beginning at 6pm, residents of Cooper-Young and others gathered inside the gallery to view the community’s collection of artwork, meet the artists, and show support for the small neighborhood.
One artist, Elizabeth Alley, said that the art invitational was a great way to start the festival.
“I saw a lot of people I know,” she said. “It’s great to get the community together and celebrate the Cooper-Young neighborhood.”
As the sound of live music by songwriter and Cooper Young resident William Charles filled the gallery, attendees travelled from room to room viewing the paintings of over 24 local artists and taking in all that the gallery exhibited.
Dozens of paintings were displayed throughout each room for guests to explore. Booth salesperson Chuck Parr, who has been working at the festival since it began in 1987, believes that the art invitational has a lot to offer anyone, no matter what kind of art they prefer.
“It is really cool and contemporary,” Parr said. “It draws people to see specific artists, and it is really important for small businesses.”
Paul said the environment was “a great way to meet people and kick-off the festival.” Not only did the invitational show the artistic side of the community, but it also provided some with a sense of pride in their neighborhood.
The David Perry Smith Gallery looks like a normal, everyday place that many people pass by on their daily commutes to work, never giving it a second thought. This year, the tiny art gallery housed the kick-off event for the CooperYoung Festival, an annual event that celebrates the area’s local talent.
On Sept. 15, the art invitational started the Cooper Young Festival by introducing local artists and painters. Beginning at 6pm, residents of Cooper-Young and others gathered inside the gallery to view the community’s collection of artwork, meet the artists, and show support for the small neighborhood.
One artist, Elizabeth Alley, said that the art invitational was a great way to start the festival.
“I saw a lot of people I know,” she said. “It’s great to get the community together and celebrate the Cooper-Young neighborhood.”
As the sound of live music by songwriter and Cooper Young resident William Charles filled the gallery, attendees travelled from room to room viewing the paintings of over 24 local artists and taking in all that the gallery exhibited.
Dozens of paintings were displayed throughout each room for guests to explore. Booth salesperson Chuck Parr, who has been working at the festival since it began in 1987, believes that the art invitational has a lot to offer anyone, no matter what kind of art they prefer.
“It is really cool and contemporary,” Parr said. “It draws people to see specific artists, and it is really important for small businesses.”
Paul said the environment was “a great way to meet people and kick-off the festival.” Not only did the invitational show the artistic side of the community, but it also provided some with a sense of pride in their neighborhood.