WHO IS GAC?
Gwangju Artist Collective (GAC) is a multicultural artist community for Gwangju and Jeolla. Originating in 2009 from a Global Village Project which created both GAIA Gallery (now called GIC Gallery) the artist collective, the GAC has created a sustainable space for artists of many countries to share their art and their love of art in the Gwangju community. Currently there are over a hundred members; you are welcome to join any time as a web member in our Facebook Group. We also have opportunities to join as peer artists or our art lover group.
GAC has three opportunities to engage in art in Gwangju: peer artist group, art lover and web member. The peer artist group gives a chance for artists to exhibit and cooperate with other artists, sharing information and critiques. An application portfolio is required and the membership fee is 50,000won annually. Art lovers are members who support GAC with a 30,000won donation annually which helps to set up opportunities for art lectures, art exploration workshops and gallery tours. Web members join for free through Facebook; this online group provides Gwangju art information to members and helps connect and cherish the rapport of GAC participants even if they have moved outside of Gwangju.
WHEN GAC MEETS
GAC meets regularly these days - twice a week. On Tuesday nights from 7-9pm at Gwangju International Center, GAC hosts a free open studio time for the community. GAC members facilitate an art 'lesson' - drawing basics, color, and tips for drawing, but it is really a time to get together and draw in a communal space. Upcoming open studios in July will have life drawing opportunities. This is an ongoing event.
On Saturdays this June and early July are a series of workshops on drawing and color. Work from these workshops will be displayed in an upcoming GAC group exhibit at GIC Gallery in November. Fees from the workshop are for materials and exhibition costs.
WHAT DOES GAC DO
GAC has organized several events since 2009. In 2011 GAC has offered several workshops. In Spring the Rabbit Workshop gathered artists to make graphics and drawings exploring the theme of rabbits in culture. Currently basic drawing and color workshops are being held for summer. Fall will provide a chance for artists to review and put together a portfolio in a portfolio workshop. There are currently discussions on creating an art and humor workshop for 2011 as well.
In addition to workshops, GAC hosts a free open studio night. This is an opportunity for artists and budding artists to get together and practice some art. (Details mentioned above.)
Gallery tours are held once a month. Usually held on Thursday evenings to coincide with the regular gallery openings around the city. Several galleries are visited with opportunities to socialize with the artists and each other during and after the event at a local cafe or restaurant.
Group exhibitions are usually held twice a year. Last year "My Life in Gwangju" and "A Cultural Experience in Gwangju" were held at GIC Gallery and the Asia Culture Forum. This year November will be GAC's first group exhibit.
GAC supports its members by connecting others with similar interests as well as connecting artists to information about Gwangju art opportunities. Individual exhibits, curating assistance and promotion are also part of the group's support system. Group shows have helped GAC members launch their first solo exhibition. Members also receive information about galleries and other potential group shows around the city.
The GAC connection also helps artists promote their events and work. GAC has worked with GIC regularly as well as Kunsthalle Gwangju, and Gwangju Art Guide, Art Elemento Magazine, and GIC Journal's Social Discourse of Disquiet.
A significant component of GAC's support to the public has been through community building activities such as workshops at GIC, GIC Day, and the Beautiful Fair in downtown Gwangju.
If you are interested in joining, check out GAC's Facebook Group and Facebook Page. For email, please contact gwangjumaria@yahoo.comwhile GAC is in the process of buidling their website.
