NOESIS: BUY|ALT

#Shiftyourshopping? Buy Alternative.

With 10 days left until Christmas, it’s really up to you (the gift granter) to decide how you want to spend your earnings. Fortunately for you, some of Boston’s leading alternative space galleries are offering works, on the wall and in collection, for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. Over the past few weeks, we talked to five gallery directors, viewed their current exhibitions and learned a little bit about their history and goals. The galleries featured here are truly the kind that allow artists to thrive. Whether big or small, newly founded or archaic to the local community, these spaces give experimental contemporary artists a place to brainstorm, collaborate and host their most innovative creations.

When you buy a piece of art, you are not only inheriting an original work, you are participating in a movement. You are allowing creative people (and those who support them) the ability to continue to do what they love.

You get something beautiful, to give to someone beautiful, and that’s just awesome.

Here are some images and a bit of text describing our cities alternative spaces:

MOBIUS | 55 Norfolk Street, Cambridge | Central Square |

Mobius has been a haven for performance art in Boston for over 30 years. Founded in 1977 by Marilyn Arsem, and currently directed by Jed Speare, the Mobius Group invites international artists of the ephemeral nature to join them for original performances through collaborative exchange programs. New to Central Square, the single story store front that is 55 Norfolk is an ever changing cube that evolves on the sole direction of the artist currently in spotlight. Their end of year exhibition, the Mobius Sale, runs through December 22 and features a collection of 2D works by members of the Mobius Group, including local favorites Catherine Tutter, Jeff Huckleberry, and Huang Min-Chi. mobius.org

SAMSON PROJECTS | 450 Harrison Avenue, Boston | SOWA |

Camilo Alvarez and his space, Samson Projects in the SOWA district is honestly an inspiration for gallery lovers. Offering monthly solo exhibitions and an artist in residency program, Camilo helps his artists rise by creating exhibition opportunities in cultural institutions like the MFA, ICA and Boston Children’s Museum. Artists in permanent collection include the very talented painters Suzannah Sinclair and Matt Rich; he also has limited edition prints by the late photographic legend Francesca Woodman (off topic, I almost melted when I saw these for myself). Political painter, John C. Gonzalez is Samson’s current artist in residence, and the flat files includes archival ink-jet prints of recently made work. Samson offers patrons works of impeccable quality, at a variety of price ranges. samsonprojects.com

AVIARY | 48 South Street, Boston | Jamaica Plain |

Lindsay Metivier opened her space in Jamaica Plain earlier this year as a way to continue to foster the artistic dialogue in an already booming creative neighboorhood. A photo curator and photographer herself, the flat files at Avairy are a photo lovers dream. Prints of all sizes from contemporary, emerging photographers make up the vintage, card catalogue-esq filing cabinet. The boutique gallery also has a beautiful collection of self published/artist made photography books, jewelry and crafted items. The new year at Avairy will continue to offer JP residents a space for creative collaboration, with plans to launch a gallery run print shop and lots of new, locally made items to the store. aviarygallery.com

PROOF | 516 E. 2nd Street, South Boston | The Distillery |

The Distillery building in East Boston is home to over 100 local artists; offering large live-work spaces & small, shared studios for some of Boston’s most talented. Proof Gallery at the Distillery, directed by Kara Braciale and assistant Audrina Bell-Warren, is a lofty space with renovated warehouse charm. Proof features a mix of monthly solo and group exhibitions, almost always consisting of artist built installations and sculptures. The work shown here is always experimental, and the site specific nature grants artists (both local and national) a space to foresee, create and complete their work within the gallery. The flat file collection at Proof features both original and printed works on paper from a broad range of aesthetics; including the delicate, minimal drawings of Hannah Cole and the expressive collages of Max Warsh. proof-gallery.com

LOT F | 145 Pearl Street, Boston | Financial District |

Lot F gallery exists in a loft space hidden between China Town and the Financial District. Run from the home of co-directors James Wormser & Kate Ostreicher, the work featured here is edgy, cool, and street inspired. With a partnership with nearby club, Good Life, opening parties almost always include DJ’s, dancing, and a fun, relaxed approach to the art viewing experience. The pair rotates a collection of new work made by contemporary urban artists; the current exhibition, SALAD 3.0 includes pieces by Josh Falk, Matthew Gillis Hall, and Nick Ward. Their work is available in collection at Lot F, and also for purchase via their website. lotfgallery.com

no·e·sis, understanding | from noein, to perceive | from nous, mind
A special thank you to the directors of these wonderful spaces, who have opened their doors for me over the past few weeks while putting together this post! Please visit their respected websites for upcoming 2012 events.
via: v e l l u m