For those who were fortunate to see the Shop One: Then and Now show in the Bevier Gallery at RIT during October and November 2014 viewed amazing works of art and craft. The exhibition was curated by Wendy Marks, Director of Shop One and University Gallery at RIT. Many pieces came from private collections and have not been seen by the public since being displayed on the shelves and walls of Shop One between the years of 1953 and 1976. The show was a treasure trove of craft and an engaging walk down memory lane for those who shopped at Shop One. It was an exciting and educational experience for those unaware of the ‘One and Only’ Shop One.
Many people remember and are inspired to share their personal connection to Shop One on Troup Street and later on Alexander Street in Rochester. They relished the experience, attended the openings, met the artists, and ate the brownies. Yes, brownies! It was a heady time with a can-do attitude. All the cool people were there. There was a sense of discovery. One never knew what they would find at Shop One. It was the Craft Movement in full swing and the public was introduced to an array of crafts not seen in any retail venue. There were no craft galleries until ‘The One and Only’.
A plethora of first-time visitors have sought out Shop One after seeing the show in the Bevier Gallery. ‘Wow! We didn’t know about this!” They are curious about the similarities to Shop One and are thrilled to re-experience that same sense of discovery.
Indeed, Shop One has work by some of ‘the original’ artists who showed in Shop One; William Keyser, Nancy Jurs, Albert Paley, Tarrant Clements, Alec Hazlett and Kurt Feuerherm. Shop One² also showcases work by RIT alumni who live and work across the country. RIT faculty, students and regional artists show their work as well. The pool of artistic and design talent is rich and diverse.
If you want a different experience, come by to discover what Shop One is all about….’The One and Only’, too!
Democrat and Chronicle review here.