Corner Store
Opening Reception: December 6, 5:30 - 8PM
This holiday season, the 2727 co-op art gallery reprises its historic role as a beloved neighborhood corner shop, this time selling art in the place of candy. Amidst the glut of Black Friday deals, nostalgia-riddled commercials, and lavish box-store displays, the co-op provides an alternative community space while playfully imitating the conventions of convenient commerciality.
While towns across the country steadily lose public spaces, mom-n-pop ventures, and arts venues to corporate interests, this local gallery remains dedicated to supporting small-scale arts and events. Participating artists explore their role as culture crafters while navigating lurking paradigms of preciousness, accessibility, and consumability. The pressures that influence artists to make small and sell cheap for the holidays creates confrontations between handcrafting and mass-production.
Co-op manager Linden JL is curating a selection of work that jests at the ways art is valued, and its implications on the community.
About 2727 California: 2727 California is an artist cooperative exhibiting regularly at their space in Berkeley, CA. Formerly a corner store, the beloved neighborhood staple has transformed into a pillar of the arts in the community. The public regularly contributes to the space, exhibiting everything from visual to performing arts. Member artists regularly host exhibitions, displaying a diverse body of work that approaches the world from a number of perspectives. The space also works to engage their communities with art-making processes by hosting free and low cost workshops to help others refine their craft. Emphasis is on emerging artists and artists from under-represented groups who have had less opportunity to show their work.
Corner Store will be open Fridays 4pm-8pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1pm - 5pm through the month of December with a closing party Tuesday December 31st 7pm-9pm. Weekend events will include live music, artist talks, and interactive workshops. A full list of happenings can be found at: https://www.2727.today/calendar?view=calendar&month=12-2024
Full resolution images available upon request. For more information and a list of participating artists contact: Linden Julien-Lehn at gallery@2727.today
Corner Store Events
“Corner Store” Opening
Friday, December 6, 4-8 pm
December 6 Opening event will include:
Live music by Sean Yarbrough, aka Griffin from "B-Side Galaxy," performing mostly his original songs and compositions combining elements of art rock, jazz, trip hop, metal, and electronica. Sean grew up around the block from 2727 and purchased candy on his way to school from the corner store.
Community story telling through comics: 2727 gallery is collecting stories for the Corner Store. Come see the work of gallery 2727 artists and contribute your story to the collective.
Reclaimed Bandanas pt 1/2: Learn to Ice Dye with LindenJL
Saturday December 7th, 1:00-5:00
In the first part of this two part workshop series, participants will learn to make custom ice-dyed bandanas using reclaimed fabric. Similar in many ways to traditional tie-dye, ice dying uses fiber-reactive powder dyes spread over a layer of ice to create organic liquid-like patterns in fabric as the ice melts. LindenJL will be teaching basic folding techniques to create unique patterns and providing helpful tips for laying out colors. Come back the next week to pick up your dyed bandana and add your own block printed design! All materials are provided. Suggested donation $20
Pop-up Cafe with Ema Chamlee
December 8, 1:00-5:00
Under the canopy of oaks, the acorns have been given and gathered. Myriad hands harvest and store, making home for winter. Join me for a food meditation on the generosity this land.
Corner Concerts at 2727 with Ian Scarfe
Friday December 13
The 2727 Artist Co-op welcomes you to an evening of music and art for their latest art exhibition "Corner Store". Prolific pianist Ian Scarfe will be performing from a blend of romantic classical and early 20th century avante garde, including pieces from Philip Glass and Franz Schubert. Wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and light refreshments will be provided. It's a potluck- more food and snacks are very welcome! Please bring with a list of ingredients to display next to it. Reserve your spot here: http://i.grpm.us/ArVxna
Reclaimed Bandanas pt 2/2: Learn to block print with LindenJL
Saturday December 14, 2:00-4:00
In the second part of this two part workshop, participants will be learning to carve blocks into their own unique design to be printed on bandanas - or another other fabric! Block printing is an ancient printing technique still popular today in which relief designs are carved out of wood or linoleum to create images or repeating designs. Linden JL will be coaching participants in how to create repeatable designs and basic printing techniques. Participants do not need to have attended the first session to join, and are welcome to bring in their own materials like clothing or linens to print on. All materials are provided.
Greeting Cards with Kelly Dunagan
Sunday December 15, 2:00-4:00
DIY your holiday greeting cards this year! Use collage, paints, and markers to create a one-of-a-kind multimedia missive to send to your friends and loved ones. Suitable for adults and children of all ages. All materials provided.
Suggested donation $5-15
A Karaoke and open mic afternoon
December 22, 1PM - 5PM
Gallery 2727 is hosting a Karaoke and Open Mic Afternoon! Pizza and Drinks will be provided. Come by with or without your soft acoustic instruments and join us for a fun musical experience while also enjoying the visual artwork of our resident artists!
Babsi’s Viennese Community Cafe
December 22, 6:30PM - 9:30PM
We welcome to a holiday café to unwind, relax, play, and delight in yummies and fellowship! Enjoy a cozy evening atmosphere similar to an Austrian holiday market, with a variety of organic gluten-free Austrian holiday treats, vegan hot chocolate, and non-alcoholic punch.
Soup and savories provided for a simple dinner. Extra treats available for holiday gifts (packaged or mix-and-match yourself).
Your host (Babsi’s Viennese Treats) is a local cottage food baker near 2727 California. We love spoiling community with our organic, gluten-free low- and no-sugar treats derived from traditional Austrian recipes (http://www.babsisviennesetreats.com; Instagram: babsistreats).
Babsi (Barbara Widhalm, Ph.D.) is also a local college educator who loves to host listening circles and creative co-explorations.
6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Buffet, Café, and Games
8 – 9 p.m. (appr): Optional facilitated dialog & ritual circles from the heart. Suggested topics: surrender, letting go, awaiting with curiosity. Café will remain open.
Suggested donation: $15 – $35, plus extra for take-home treats.
Please RSVP ahead of time, if possible, so we can plan ahead: babsistreats@gmail.com. Venmo pre-payments appreciated at @emergingtogether.
Corner Store closing New Year’s Eve Party
December 31st, 7:00-9:00 pm
Last chance to experience the 2727 Gallery December exhibit “Corner Store” The community is invited to come together to mark the closing of the year and the final 2727 gallery exhibit of 2024. Light refreshments will be available. Special guest musician. Open to the public.