Huntington, WV—The Huntington Art Collective, a group in affiliation with Create Huntington, will be holding an inaugural art exhibition and reception to celebrate the grand opening of Gallery 842, a community art project spawned from the weekly Chat ‘N Chew sessions.

The exhibition, juried and curated by local artists Seth Cyfers and John Farley, and organized by a volunteer group of like-minded, progressive citizens, will feature a wide variety of artwork from across the Tri-state area.

The concept was shepherded by Lynn Clercx, a Realtor and Huntington resident, and made possible through the hard work of a team of over a dozen people. Farley, who serves as the director for the Birke Art Gallery, noted that Gallery 842 is an illustration of the talent in this area.
“Visitors to Gallery 842 will be presented with a diverse range of fine art in many media–both two and three-dimensional,” Farley said. “This exhibition is representative of the quality and breadth of work being produced by artists in the region.”

Thomas McChesney, a Create Huntington volunteer echoed Farley’s sentiments.
“Gallery 842 is a prime example of what can be accomplished when engaged citizens from the community and faculty, students and staff from Marshall work together,” McChesney, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Huddleston Bolen, LLP, said. “In just a few months, they’ve taken an idea from concept to reality and will transform an empty store into a vibrant gallery,” McChesney said.

McChesney added, “It is going to be a great venue for artists, one that will help local artists and artisans see that there is a welcoming, local art scene. It is also going to be a cool venue for the community that, I believe, will draw people to downtown Huntington. More than all of this though, I believe they have demonstrated that dedicated citizens can accomplish a great deal if they are freed to be creative and empowered to make a difference. By doing this, they may very well be another step in a process that is transforming our City.”

Farley and Cyfers are both Marshall University graduates.
“As graduates of the Department of Art and Design at Marshall University both Farley and Cyfers are creative, civic-minded and collaborative,” Byron Clercx, chair of the MU’s Department of Art and Design. “They are part of a growing number of people invested in making Huntington a better place to live, work and play. The HAC community gallery adds an exciting new facet to the fine and performing arts culture in Huntington; and, like we have observed in other forward-thinking communities, the arts can play a vital role in the cultural/economic revitalization of downtown Huntington by stimulating pedestrian activity, encouraging civic and private investment and by rebranding the city in a positive light to its residents, guests and elected officials.”

The opening reception will take place on the evening of April 24, 2009 from 7 pm to midnight. There will not be a cover charge but donations (to subsidize ongoing operating expenses) will be graciously accepted. Refreshments will be provided.

Gallery 842 is located at 842 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV (formerly Bliss Boutique). Gallery 842 will be open Thursday-Saturday from 4 pm – 9 pm, and Sunday from noon-4 pm.

Several local establishments are sponsoring this initiative by donating funds, including Mac-Reedo’s Bar & Grill, Colonial Lanes Bowling Alley, Hank’s Wall-Street Tavern & Piano-Bar, Giovanni’s Pizzeria, Stonewall and Musicplex Recording Studio.

Many area businesses are graciously offering discounts to patrons who visit Gallery 842 and get a bracelet. Venues include: Rebels & Redcoats Tap Room, Hank’s Wall-Street Tavern & Piano-Bar, St. Mark’s, Shaker’s Bar & Grill, V-Club, and Mac-Reedo’s Bar & Grill.

The space for Gallery 842 has been donated by Liza Caldwell of Huntington.