We speak with the co-founders of the Alternative Gallery in our premiere episode.
Brandon Wunder, Jay Echevarria & Rob Riegel discuss why & how they started the Alternative Gallery in 2012, what the experience has been like and how other artists can start something similar.
The Alternative Gallery is a non-profit arts organization located in Allentown, PA.
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https://www.thealternativegallery.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thealternativegallery
https://www.instagram.com/alternativegallery/
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https://www.instagram.com/artbyjayechevarria/
https://www.instagram.com/kon_flict/
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- 00:00 - Introduction
- 04:09 - Showing art in the Lehigh Valley pre-AG
- 07:22 - How artists in America lack resources & Support
- 15:04 - Why we started the Alternative Gallery
- 18:24 - And just like that, we had an art gallery
- 21:25 - Location isn't everything
- 23:20 - Our first retail space
- 25:12 - Problems at the hotel
- 28:28 - Moving to the Cigar Factory & first impressions
- 38:30 - The barter deal that kept us going
- 40:43 - How the neighborhood shaped our mission
- 45:51 - Allentown ArtsFest
- 51:29 - Surviving the Pandemic
- 54:43 - Non-profits have to be ready to pivot
- 56:38 - Where do you think you'd be without the AG?
- 59:18 - Artists need your support!
- 01:04:05 - How you can support even without money
- 01:04:52 - Advice for new & young artists
- 01:06:47 - Tips to make vending easier
- 01:08:19 - Best ways for artists to take payments
- 01:09:42 - Standout moments from the first 11 years of AG
- 01:12:16 - Growth has given us a deeper understanding
- 01:14:58 - We love doctors!
- 01:15:37 - What does the future of AG look like to you?
- 01:18:18 - Every city & town needs an art space
- 01:21:23 - Let us know if you want to start your own space!
- 01:25:41 - Social & cultural organizations are what empower the people
- 01:27:22 - Find the artists like yourself and work together!
- 01:28:22 - Outro
