Featured Business: Tugboat Gallery

By Cory Kibler

In the past, I've had the pleasure of experiencing First Friday at the Tugboat Gallery, (116 N. 14th Street, above Gomez Art Supply) and I can honestly say it is one of the more unique art experiences I've had in Lincoln.

Visitors must take a trip via elevator (accessible at 1410 O Street) up to the second floor of the building. Settled in amongst the second floor offices, businesses and studios, the space consists of a maze of rooms, each one filled to the brim with art.  It can sometimes be tricky to navigate through the space due to the sheer number of visitors, but I imagine that having too many people is a good problem for Tugboat to have.  

One of the major differences between Tugboat and other art galleries I've frequented is its atmosphere. I've visited smaller galleries, as well as larger, more well-known galleries like the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, and while the space sizes vary, the general vibe remains the same: people quietly and thoughtfully milling about, taking in paintings and having quiet conversations. 

Tugboat on First Friday is a completely different story. A variety of people walk the hallways, traveling together from room to room, conversing at a normal volume, laughing and enjoying the art. It feels much more like a soiree at a friend’s house than a formal gallery opening.

Each room generally contains a different artist's work, and if the room is big enough, it will feature work from two or more artists. Featured at Tugboat are paintings, photographs, sketches, sculptures, and still more forms of art, most of them extremely alternative and conceptual.

This First Friday (March 5th 7-10 p.m.) will feature Sarah Baker Hansen's curatorial debut American Bust featuring artist Dana Rose. If you can’t make it to First Friday, feel free to visit the gallery during its normal hours: Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturdays 12-5 and Sunday 2-5. The current show will end March 28th.

I recently spoke with Nolan Tredway, a local artist who helps run Tugboat, about the Gallery, the art scene and Tugboat’s place therein.

What is the Tugboat Gallery? 

Nolan Tredway: Tugboat Gallery is a non-commission alternative gallery space located in downtown Lincoln. It was started in 2004 by artists Peggy Gomez, Joey Lynch, and Jake Gillespie in the back of Gomez Art Supply, then followed the store to its current location at the Parrish Studios on 14th & O Streets in April, 2008.

Currently, Tugboat is run by Peggy Gomez and myself with Joey Lynch running the nomadic “Tugboat Presents” arm of the operation (which will soon have its own home at Tugboat Presents: PUSH Gallery in Omaha).

The goal of Tugboat is to exhibit high-quality, exciting artwork by both emerging and established artists.

What role does Tugboat play in the local art scene? How does it differ from other art spaces?

NT: As a non-commission gallery, Tugboat is able to show a number of artists and work that may not fall into the "sellable" category, or may not even be for sale. We look for art we find innovative, provocative, and interesting without worrying about anything else.

I think we differ from other art spaces in that our artists come from all sources: [through] submissions, Peggy and I actively seeking out artists we enjoy, and by allowing other artists and guest curators to bring in their favorites. By taking risks and casting a wide net, we are able to extend our reach beyond the standard group of local artists. With just the two of us calling the shots, we are able to be agile and change our entire mode of working on a moment's notice.

How does Tugboat see itself in a city full of First Friday exhibitions?

NT:  I think with the years of constantly trying to find the newest and best art, combined with the new location closer to campus, Tugboat is known for attracting a younger and "hipper" crowd, anxious to see what's next and be part of Lincoln's art scene. This also means younger patrons, and working toward building a generation that understands what art can bring to the table.

What do you feel is the current state of the local art-scene in Lincoln?

NT: Lincoln is well-known in the region for having an active and ever-blossoming art scene. It seems that the University has also stepped up their game a bit too. The average quality of art coming out of current students is of equal caliber to the top dozen of students just a few years ago. This can only mean good things.

However, there are a couple of trends I have seen waning in the last couple of years that I hope will pick back up:

1) Guerrilla art shows: Artists having art shows in apartments, alleyways, and abandoned and unused buildings. Not only will most artists be happy to clean (and maybe even renovate) a bit to have a show, an art show can bring attention and value to a property that is otherwise overlooked. In turn, artists can bring their art to the public, or integrate a non-traditional space into their work.

2) Cross-discipline collaboration: Painters working with musicians, dancers working with sculptors, etc. This type of cross-pollination brings new ideas to audiences and new audiences to artists.

To keep on top of all that the Tugboat Gallery has to offer, visit their website here.

Tugboat Gallery
116 N. 14th Street
Lincoln, NE
402-477-6200 (Phones answered at Gomez Art Supply)

Hours:
Monday-Friday 10-6 p.m.
Saturdays 12-5 p.m.
Sundays 2-5 p.m.