Deborah Rockman - WKTV Journal

By Tanglefoot Artists

Join the artists of the Tanglefoot studios on the near West side as they celebrate the cultural legacy they’ve built throughout the years: a testament to the power of beauty, the necessity of art, and the importance of gathering community around you. This year marks the 27th annual open studio sale in the historic warehouse, making it the longest-running open studio event in the greater Grand Rapids area.

In a yellow brick warehouse on the near West Side, a former flytape factory has been taken over by some of the city’s most well-known working artists. Nearly 30 years ago, as spaces in the building began to be rented as studio space for artists, early artists like Elaine Dalcher, Michael Pfleghaar, and Nikki Wall decided to welcome the public into their working creative “homes” for an intimate, celebratory chance for friends and family to purchase artwork, right before the holiday gift-giving seasons began. That was just the start of what was to become one of the Grand Rapids art scene’s most important events of the year.

This fall, on Friday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 18, artists will open their studios once again for the 27th Annual Tanglefoot Artists Open Studio event. Full of chances to meet accomplished local artists, sip a glass of cheer, and find just the right piece of art for yourself or a loved one, the yearly event is known for its hospitality and its variety of price points, allowing for all to support their local artists in meaningful ways.

The longest-running open studio event in the greater Grand Rapids area began in 1990, with artists Elaine Dalcher and Michael Pfleghaar opening their studios and inviting fellow artist Nikki Wall, who would soon be a resident artist at the Tanglefoot building herself, to join them. The event was so popular it became a yearly tradition.

Tanglefoot building (Credit: Tiffany Szakal)

“We Xeroxed the hand-drawn announcement, folded it in half and sent it out to our friends, families, colleagues and clients,” said Dalcher.

Nearly 300 people showed up that first year, and as word spread the event grew to welcome thousands upon thousands of art lovers over the years.

This year, the event promises to include some new surprises for regular attendees, as resident artists are welcoming in select guest artists to participate in the annual open studio event.

“It’s the truth: every year is special. Why? Because we consciously try to add new things to the show,” said Jason Villareal, long-time resident and participant in the fall event. This year, resident artists are inviting guest artists to join them in their space.

“We’ve had guest artists in the past but not this many. It’s a lot of new additional work to enjoy!” said Villareal

Visiting artists like Deborah Rockman, Holly Bechiri, and Sung Yi will help eight of the year-round residents fill room after spacious room within the rambling old warehouse with beauty.

Over the years, the annual celebration of artists and community has built a legacy for itself as a leading example of how to support local artists, creating an intimate and welcoming opportunity to build community. With artwork for sale, starting as little as $3, from some of the most well-established artists in the area, attendees may want to bring their pocketbook for a chance to support their local creatives while taking home quality work for themselves or for upcoming holiday gift needs.

Available for purchase will be paintings, prints, large-scale sculptures, greeting cards, and photo-based art. Just as important as the chance to purchase art, though, these artists recognize the importance of finding chances to reconnect with their community as the holidays approach.

“Winter’s settling in, and people are ready to be festive,” said Dalcher. “If people are interested in the community of artmaking and the process of artmaking in our community, then this is a place to come and see working studios, and get a chance to talk to the artists.”

”We also have a reputation for good snacks,” she said.

The event is open and free to the public Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.