For years it was an idea tossed around and left behind. It was a creative vision that got overlooked. In the Spring of 2001, Gallery 203 was thought to be a reality, sending waves of jubilation through the entire art department.
Things didn’t exactly speed off into success, though. Construction delays and a tight budget kept Gallery 203 sidelined for months before it could finally open its doors during the first week of the fall 2001 semester.
The lengthy hiatus didn’t dampen the spirits of gallery director Melanie Spillman, though. Spillman said she dug deep and found the means to keep 203’s hopes in sight through student government assistance dollars.
“No one was gung-ho enough, but I was,” Spillman said. “I did it and I did it well. That’s how I do things. You don’t complain, you do it.”
Now that doors are finally open and with the art department smiling on its progress, Spillman said, “This space is exactly what I hoped for.”
Presently, Gallery 203 is thriving — and exceeding any hope Spillman may have held at its start.
The student-run venue in the fine arts building has evolved from a localized exposure effort to an all-encompassing community showcase.
Now entering its fourth show, 203 has managed to display an array of artistic expression on its four walls since this semester’s start.
“It’s an experimental space,” Spillman said. “But it’s professional too, and I stress the professional. I’d like to keep the bar really high.”
The Members show got 203 to a good start, cramming 150 folks in a 30-by-30 foot area — an astonishing turnout, according to Spillman. Show two brought in Memphis College of Art student Marcy Brown Frye and her “Show of Self.”
Spillman said, “We love to bring the schools together.”
Ross Miller headlined the third showing, an “art social” titled “Cakewalk In a Gallery.”
Everything was great fun, according to Spillman.
“It was an interactive happening with cake and food related art,” Spillman said. “The art social was a chance to come and play.”
Again, a packed house was on hand to check out the work. They threw a little cake and got messy in the process.
The fourth display of the semester showcased the A.R.T.S group’s journey through Amsterdam, with paintings, graphic design and photo spreads on all walls.
Spillman said after years of existence, it’s time the group was brought in to the gallery.
“We’re all a big group of artists,” she said.
The newest working exhibit houses all work of design students, including sketches and paintings in addition to interior designs. These students are working toward accreditation, which is a major event for them, according to Spillman, and she’s thrilled to lend 203 to the cause.
Spillman said 203 welcomes proposals involving any form of creativity, whether music, installation, dance, video or interior design. In addition, she added, although students keep the gallery running, the space is not strictly confined to the work of The University of Memphis students.
Things may have appeared that way at the start, but “now it’s open to the world,” Spillman said.
The foundations have been laid to keep lines open with other city art programs, including M.C.A., and art departments at Rhodes College and Christian Brothers University.
The idea of fusing expression within the community excites Spillman, posing a potential for all artists to inspire and heighten each other’s performance and creativity.
Mike Mitchell, who will be successor to the gallery director’s position when Spillman heads out next semester, said, “Having other artists involved will work with students here and give them a broader sense of an artistic community.”
In addition to incorporating outside students, visiting professionals are more than welcome, according to Mitchell and Spillman.
Barbara Kruger, one of Spillman’s favorite female artists, will be coming to 203 following a November lecture on campus. Kruger will be critiquing student work as well as holding a workshop and offering insights into the craft.
“These type of artists always inspire students more,” Spillman said. “It’s time to up the ante in the art department.”
Whether inspiration is needed or not, Mitchell said, “Most are excited to take this space and run with it. I hope the interest will spread.”
According to Spillman, everyone from the dean on down is ecstatic with the direction 203 is taking.
“This is exactly what the department needed,” Spillman said. “The space was begging for this.”
Community response has been equally positive. Spillman said people keep showing up for the shows, and area writers, like David Hall of The Memphis Flyer, have had a steady interest in 203’s happenings.
What the future holds is a wide open horizon for the art community. Possibilities are endless, according to Spillman. And although she’s nearing the end of her 203 run, she said Mitchell brings the same enthusiasm to the gallery’s efforts.
“I’ve had the luxury to be dropped in with the wheels already spinning, and I get to deal with what the space is for — to provide a professional environment,” Mitchell said. “I want to take the space and bring it to a level that not only faculty are proud of, but to a level where everyone is talking about it — in the same sense of excitement around the ball game. ‘Did you see the game?’ ‘Did you go to the art opening?’ I want it to be a social center.”
You can check out Gallery 203 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in room 203 of the Communications and Fine Arts building.
