Pop Box Gallery: Laura Ritchie and Mavis Gragg
Laura Ritchie and Mavis Gragg, Pop Box Gallery at BoxyardRTP.
Laura Ritchie, former director of The Carrack Gallery, and Mavis Gragg, co-founder of Black Girl Basel and host of Provident 1898’s Meet The Artist talk series, pop open the Art Box!
Why art in a box?
We were presented with the opportunity to pitch an art gallery concept to BoxyardRTP and we leapt at the idea! This first iteration of Pop Box Gallery will be inside a 300sf storage container in the company of many other great local businesses taking root at BoxyardRTP. This, we believe, will be one of multiple spaces where we will exhibit art in ways previously unimagined. We believe art belongs everywhere.
Whose works are included on display?
Pop Box Gallery features work by Triangle-based contemporary artists in unexpected places. Our curatorial focus centers artwork that directly responds to the political, economic, and social issues of our moment. We will present three, three-week-long exhibitions during our residency at BoxyardRTP.
Why do you support art?
Mavis: I support art because doing so allows me to be my full self. My art experience has primarily been in the last 12 years and I’m 46. For most of my life I viewed art as indulgent and inaccessible. However, I discovered that art belongs in my life. I also want others to share in my enjoyment by connecting them to art, artists, and art experiences.
Laura: Art is a site for transformation, connection, and imagination. It shows me that change is possible and it teaches me new things about my relationship to the world. I see it do that for other people, too. I support art because I know we need it.
Tips for beginner art collectors?
Laura: Trust yourself! You don’t need anyone else to validate your attraction to a work of art or affirm the meaning it has to you. Invest in what moves you. Get to know the artist and build a relationship with them if you can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to negotiate. If an artwork that you love is out of your price range, talk to the artist about your options before you walk away. You might be able to work out a payment plan, make a trade, or acquire a print instead.
Mavis: Note how art you see and enjoy makes you feel. Is it comforting? Inspiring? Does it make you curious? Also, consider what you’re comfortable speding. My first original piece was $3500 - more than my car at the time was worth! However, the way it made me feel was priceless. To this day, I feel the same way about this piece. Have a budget in mind. Know your spending tolerance. Consider originals by new artists. Several of the pieces I have are from folks who were students when they made them. It’s wonderful to be part of their journey. They’ve all gone on to great success!
Where do you frame your art?
Craven Allen, Through This Lens, FastFrame, Kenny the Framer
Who is your fashion idol?
Laura: Love this question! For clothing: Julia Stiles’ character, Georgina Clios, in the show “Riviera” (or maybe I just fantasize about living on the Mediterranean). Robin Wright is a go-to for hair inspiration.
Mavis: Sophie Okenedo’s character, Caroline, in the show “Flack”.
Pop Box Gallery
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