Low Road art gallery opens in Greencastle

"It's all about the art."

That is how Julie Rooney describes the concept behind Greencastle's new art gallery.

The Low Road Art Gallery held its first opening Saturday with a duo show. "Menagerie" exhibited sculptures, videos and digital art by Rooney and Matt Kalasky.

While the inaugural was a success, Low Road founders Rooney and Lukas Schooler don't want it to stop here. The pair decided to open a cotemporary art gallery in Greencastle after studying abroad for six months at Glasgow School of Art in Glasgow, Scotland.

"Contemporary art can exist in Greencastle, as well as New York (or even Scotland)," said Rooney.

The gallery, located on W. Washington Street below Martin's Emporium, will feature contemporary art and hold mostly duo and trio shows featuring artists with ties to the community.

Residents can expect to see some local high school art exhibits along with drawings, paintings, etc.

"There is no specific medium," said Schooler about the type of art to be expected in the future. "We are open to all media," he added.

A governing committee will be formed to curate shows and select artists via an application process. An interest meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m. April 29 at the gallery. It is open to the public and anyone interested in contemporary art.

With the turnover of DePauw University students, Rooney and Schooler want to see the community get involved with the gallery. Putnam County residents shouldn't have to drive far for art, explained Rooney. She feels it is beneficial for contemporary art to be close to home.

It was their time in Glasgow's tiny galleries that made the pair realize how contemporary galleries provide an opportunity for local artists and art enthusiasts to actively participate in the larger art community.

It truly is "all about the art."

Miss the initial opening? There will be another chance with a second duo show set to open at 7 p.m. May 1.

Low Road's hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be closed during the summer and reopen in August or September. More specific dates and times will be announced.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about Low Road Art Gallery or has questions, e-mail lowroadgallery@gmail.com