Feature: Have a 6x6 Summer!

12 artists. 6 exhibitions. 6 weeks. Interactive. Un-snooty. Holy smokes. Baang and Burne Contemporary presents 6x6 - a series of 6 back to back shows featuring two different international artists at each, PLUS, even more interesting features at the shows. Whoa!

The dynamic ladies of B+B, Kesha Bruce and Charlie Grosso have a friendly, dynamic, approach to art gallery, art life and artists. The shows will run from September 8 - October 20, 2011. If you're in New York at the time you should definitely check it out. This is a prime example of fabulous artist entrepreneurship and collaboration. This should also be an ongoing example to all artists to break the barriers of the current systems, make our own and find our creative paths.

I've had the chance to ask Kesha a few questions about the 6x6. How fun!

TC: How can international artists in developing countries, with little/no resources, benefit from something like 6x6?  What do you hope to achieve after 6x6? 

KB: One of the coolest things about what we’re doing with 6x6 is that it isn’t just a bunch of exhibitions. We’re collaborating with other New York City businesses and arts organizations to offer an amazing set of hands-on, interactive, learn by doing workshops and programs for art buyers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs. 

At the end of 6x6, we’ll able to take the information, video footage, workshop and panel podcast recordings and package it all up into an affordable, easily accessible, step-by-step DIY "How-To" guide that teaches independent artists how they can plan and re-create their own version of 6x6 in their own art communities.

TC: When do you and Charlie sleep, or do you tag team? Two is always better than one, but you must have a brilliant support system!

KB: Well it helps that we work in 2 different time zones on 2 different continents. Essentially our offices are open for business 18 hours a day even though we only have 2 staff members! But seriously, this is why I am constantly preaching about collaboration and partnerships. I couldn’t run Baang and Burne by myself. The only reason this works is because we’ve combined our knowledge, resources, and energy. Also I take a lot of naps.

TC: How has collaborating with other artists (in 6x6 or otherwise) helped with your own practice?

KB: I’ve always relied on other artists to help me do my work. One of my fondest memories from grad school was all the time I spent working in my studio at the Hunter College Time Square studio building. There were always people coming and going and always someone to lend you a second set of eyes and an opinion. I’ve created some of my strongest work based off of the simple passing comments of one of my colleagues.  When the mix is right, a collaboration is an incredibly powerful thing. I say this all the time, because it’s true: When a small army of creative people get together-magic happens.

To read more about 6x6, read Kesha’s weekly articles on art, art marketing, and creativity and to download a free copy of her guide “The 5 Step Art Career Make-Over” visit her blog at www.KeshaBrucestudio.com.