Salon Nouveau

Birth of the productive party

By JOHN BARERA

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In its hey-day (we're talking the 1800s here, people), the Salon de Paris brought together the most interesting artists of the day. In 1863, after years of mounting tension amongst the rejected artists, the Salon des Refusés was born, where the most forward-thinking artists convened. That salon marked the birth of the avant-garde movement. Channeling that inspiration is curator Rebecca Morrison, who's Boston-based "Salon Nouveau" coheres to the European tradition. Her events gather artists of all media into a space where artwork co-exists with an integral part of the salon's history: The element of discussion.

"I believe that Boston is ripe for a grassroots artists' movement right now," Morrison says. "I'm interested in creating a forum for networking and socializing in a way that is creatively productive ... as well as a self-sufficient community of like-minded people." Her salons remain nonprofit, allowing participants to gain exposure "without the corruption of a strictly commercial focus."

One notable participant in this salon is Bob Davies. His "Women as Black Music" series has subjects sinking and floating simultaneously, creating, through the visual transformation of unfinished space, a "shape-shifting barbarian sister." Affiliated artists also include Rebecca Scotti, who designs the salon's girl-of-the-month flyers. Oregon-based photographer Sarah Bardy (whose talent speaks far beyond her 19 years) has established a visual wit that is incredibly concise. Beyond the 2-D work, Alison Layton will be exhibiting her sterling silver art jewelry, intricately constructed from cast natural elements. While some of Layton's pieces are created by the meshing of multiple organic objects, others are simply a literal translation into metal.

"If I can continue to get people on board who are interested and interesting, then I think and hope that Salon Nouveau might become more recognized for providing something positive," says Morrison. It couldn't come at a better time. With an ongoing call for work—and participation from outside the area—the Salon series is creating the perfect intersection of inspiration and revelry.

SALON NOUVEAU III

THU. 5.29

CHANNEL CENTER

15 CHANNEL CENTER ST.

FORT POINT CHANNEL

BOSTON

8PM/FREE

SALONNOUVEAU.ORG