S/ART/Q “Print Party” - preview

The S/ART/Q artist’s collective is throwing a party—a “Print Party” that is. Taking place on Sept. 11 at the Hub in Sarasota’s Rosemary District, it’s a chance for area art lovers to walk away with a screen-printing of original art by one of the ten members of the grass roots area art group. What do the artists print on? According to organizer Tim Jaeger, that’s up to you.

“Bring your own clothing and we’ll take it from there,” he says. “T-shirts are always great, but you don’t have to stop there. Anything that can lie flat and accept ink will work. Last year, we printed on skirts, placemats cute dog clothes, baby t-shirts and handbags . Be creative!” He adds that blank t-shirts will be available for purchase. The family event is free and open to everybody; there’s a nominal $5 printing charge. Jaeger adds that, “The artists do the screening live, while you watch,” he says. “It’s instant gratification—no waiting.”

What’s the purpose behind the family friendly event? “The same purpose behind our organization,” says Jaeger. “It’s a way to support the community, and at the same time give the community a chance to support the arts.”

According to Jaeger, it goes back to the reasons that gave birth to the group. In 2008, many area art galleries had closed—collateral damage of the economic downturn. In response, ten visual artists formed SARTQ to create exhibition space and generate community support. Joseph Arnegger, Brian Haverlock, Tim Jaeger, Daniel Miller, Daniel Perales, David Piurek, Jeff Schwartz, Nathan Skiles, Sabrina Small and Tom Stephens are the artists who comprise the group today. Each has created a new design for the event.

Last year’s event drew nearly 1,000 people. Jaeger hopes to beat that record. “The Print Party is the opposite of exclusive,” he says. “This is art for everybody, young and old, whatever your background. We’re going to have a fun evening for art lovers of all ages. If you want to meet some great area artists or build your art collection, this is a great way to do it.”

ART PREVIEW
“S/ART/Q Print Party” happens 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 11 at the HuB, 1421 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota.. (941) 330-4838; sartq.com.