Picture it – New York, the summer of 2013 – BUST curated an art show called “Ladies Represent” with Superchief. And what a show it was! It featured the intricate wheat pastes of street artist Swoon, E.V. Day‘s gravity-defying installations and the insane diptychs by photographer Jaimie Warren, alongside works by Beth Hoeckel, Dame Darcy, Caroline Hwang, Veronica Ibarra, Alexis Mabry, Laura McMillian, Claw Money, Kembra Pfahler, Martha Rich, Beatrice Schleyer, Lauren Silberman, Heather Vernon, Amy Watanabe, Esther Pearl Watson, Martynka Wawryniak, Sarah Wilmer, and Twiggs. It was glorious. You may recognize a lot of these artists from the pages of BUST!
When Superchief moved to LA BUST held a Craftacular at their new location in 2016 and waived the entry fee for all the mommas that came through.
I personally have attended tons and tons and tons of shows at the various Superchief locations and my bands have played in the New York space. When I visit LA, Superchief is where I stay. In fact, I just crashed there last month, co-founder Bill Dunleavy picked me up from my flight with a giant smile on his face and a welcoming hug. Superchief has been family to me for decades and they are family to their community.
After the devastating LA fires the gallery halted their normal work and turned the gallery into an aid relief base for those impacted by the fires. Dunleavy explains, “We dedicated our staff and resources full-time to fundraising and support. We’ve done the same in the past, when we supported the victims of the 2017 earthquake in Mexico City. This isn’t about profit for us—it’s about doing what’s right for the people who need it most.”
Unfortunately, Superchief Gallery will lose their beloved gallery space forever if they don’t raise cash fast. They are looking to gain 3,000 supporters to contribute $10/month to their Patreon by May 1. Chip in and help save a space that shows artists like Creepygals (who’s show was up when I stayed there and is epic), Parker Day, Sarah Sitkin, and Swoon. And remember you are not just helping save a space for the arts but a space for community and for friends. They state in their press release, “Most galleries in our position would abandon their roots—becoming more exclusive, high-end, and catering to a wealthier clientele. But that’s not who we are. At Superchief, counterculture, inclusivity, and community are at the heart of everything we do. We refuse to sell out, and we know the immense value of the space we’ve created together.” It isn’t easy to be a company where the main focus is not making money. “We’ve always been about more than art—we’ve been about creating something that’s authentic, something that can’t be easily monetized. And that’s what’s put us in this difficult financial position. We can no longer survive without your help.”
The Patreon has multiple membership tiers that include free art, exclusive access to ticketed events, and more. You can also do a one time donation or buy merch. End of the day, any bit you can give could help Superchief survive!
Join the Patreon here before the end of the month and lets keep this creative community space alive!
Images Via Superchief
