The Artist in U...

I first visited UUU Gallery over two years ago and it quickly became one of my favorite spots to hang out in Rochester. It's informal and welcoming, always buzzing with events, music and artists. I am not being sponsored or paid by any one involved. I legit enjoy this space and it’s one of the few spots you’ll see me hanging about frequently.

I sat down with the Creators behind UUU, KC and Chris Lofton, to find out more about the vision that supports it. UUU Art Gallery is a home for artists, by artists. A place of inspiration and love for life that helps you discover the artist in you. It’s begging you to pay it a visit. The Gallery shape shifts and transforms itself with every new exhibit and performances. A place as welcoming to freshly painted canvases, as to musical movements, photography studies, workshops and reading sessions. A collage of the people who frequent it and love it and cherish it. Perfumed by the laughs of real people, with real dreams, and real challenges.

So what exactly is UUU and what is it trying to tell the world? I found out UUU was born to combat the notion of 'the starving artist'. The world is a better place because of art, so why are artists consistently underrepresented and with no place to call home? That was the question KC asked himself and has made it his mission to answer it ever since. UUU Art Gallery has been housed in 153 State Street since 2017 and has been officially opened since 2019.

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Rochester has a vibrant art scene but spaces to make art visible seem to be lacking. Chris Lofton joins in 2020, a move he calls pure fate: "We're really proud of the growth of UUU and all the great things that are happening behind closed doors. We have been actively trying to close the gap between markets and bring in artists that otherwise wouldn't be coming to Rochester."

The duo has ambitious plans for the future of the gallery. Dreams of opening more spaces, expand art assets, help people build their own private collections and bridge the gap between folks that want art and emerging artists. But their dream isn't to be a one stop shop gallery, as they desire to build long lasting connections with the art community, focused on not just finding artists but to keep representing them throughout their career. Choosing artists to represent is an art form in itself. A lot of their insight when it comes to choosing, finding good art or a talented artist is instinctual. It's a natural ability paired with repetition, taste developed over time.

The Gallery can proudly boast of hosting many artists they consider geniuses but a few did stand out in their collective memory. "Frank Stewart stands out as one of the most brilliant artists we had the pleasure to host. He has a pocket full of stories that go hand in hand with his art. The work itself is gorgeous and really captures moments and feelings. He is a scientist of photography" the pair agrees.

As an artist myself, and a business owner facing my own set of difficulties, I wanted to know what seems to be the biggest issue plaguing artists. It turns out the biggest challenge for artists is, you guessed it, money. Being able to support themselves while creating art. Some galleries work for the love of art and to keep the community engaged but without true economic return. "One of the hardest things is to reject artists based on economic viability.”

Chris and KC share some advice to artists everywhere about the importance of “listening to the trees”. Inspiration is everywhere and in everything. Experience life and learn to express it.

"Art education is essential and something we are also very passionate about. Teaching people that art should be accessible and within reach. And to see art as an asset that, not unlike real estate, will appreciate in time”

Visit their Website here follow them on Social Media here and check them out at 153 State Street.

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