Empty space to be filled with art

Eight big, empty windows that face out into the Patio De Leon in downtown Fort Myers, will soon be a venue for local artists to display their work, and passers-by to consider it.

The Indigo Gallery was the brainchild of local artist Cheryl Lyons and property owner Raimond Aulen, who also owns the Indigo Room bar downtown.

The outdoor community "gallery" will be lit at night and display artwork 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, rain or not. It starts with a "Premier Masher" on Friday, Nov. 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Masher is free and will feature 20 paintings by Ms. Lyons, who has developed her technique over three decades.

There will also be light snacks, live rock n' roll by Memphis 56 (Mr. Aulen's band), and a reading by Jackie Spencer, author of "Delectable Spirit."

"I haven't had a venue to show in since the Liquid Café left," Ms. Lyons said. "So I thought, find your own venue."

New artists will be featured on a regular basis, with premier openings either on the first Friday of each month, or whatever day coincides with other downtown events. Artists can also sell their work independent of the gallery if they wish.

"We're enhancing the streetscape with window dressing," Mr. Aulen said. "Smart window dressing. Local artists control their own business of art, completely independent from the display space. Our concept offers artists exhibition opportunity while

also making the most of downtown events such as Friday Night Live, Art Walk and other public gatherings."

As Indigo Gallery arts coordinator, Ms. Lyons is also scheduling artists for upcoming exhibitions throughout the year. "We always have a call for artists, and have some open months left to schedule, but

they are filling up

fast."

She added, "Indigo Gallery is a usable window space, beautifully lit, available to local artists, while being the simplest model of modern art galleries"

Ms. Lyons hopes to turn the gallery into a nonprofit organization aiding artists and hold other events at the Indigo Gallery, such as Poe night, for authors to read their work.

For more information, call 217-0901 or visit indigogallery.net