Secret Objects

Secret Objects, Opening Reception: May 12, 6pm-10pm
open hours: May 13, 14 from 11am-6pm

The Secret Series creates a platform for visual artists to connect with functional design work. It challenges known designers and artisans to show unexpected ideas and creations. Ceramic artists create lighting. Visual artists create furniture. Architects create one of kind objects. This is a chance for the creators to stretch and surprise with three-dimensional works.

Lighting. Objects. Furniture. All three come together in The Secret Series, a collective exhibition curated by Rachel Koper, Mark Macek, and Brian David Johnson that feature work by Austin craftspeople, designers and artists.

Secret Series Artists Include:
Robert Abdallah, Alejandra Almuelle, Ann Armstrong, Mimi Bardagjy, Jon Beall, Aldo Valdes Bohm, Colby Brinkman, Patty Cater, Jennifer Chenoweth, Jamie Chioco, John Christensen, Chris Coakley, Scott Conn, Travis Cook, Pete Dahlberg, Andrew Danziger, Brian David Johnson, Mark Figueredo, Anna Geiselman, Hawkeye Glenn, Nick Griffin, Jennifer Hill, Rachel Koper, Chris Levack, Joseph Magnano, Chris McCray, Colin McIntyre, Ryan McKerley, Aaron Michalovich, Jonathan Pattie, Ron Prince, Jennifer Pritchard, Andy Rihn, Nick Schnitzer, Donya Stockton, Tim Wiens, Robert Wymer, Shota Yamaguchi, Adam Young, Dana Younger

What is a secret? A secret can be revealed. Do we know everything about our furniture? What unintended details come along for the ride in the life story of a table? The grain of the table’s wood implies the story of a tree. The joints of the table indicate the intentions of a carpenter. The moments of the table’s life are witnessed by everyone who ever sat at its edge.

Furniture serves our needs and conforms to our shapes. But do we, in turn, serve our objects? The Secret Series asks, “If furniture supports us, how do we support it?” How does a light keep me company? How do I take care of its glow?

In 2004, the original Secret Furniture group exhibition was held at Gallery Lombardi, curated by Rachel Koper, Michael Stewart, and Mark Macek. At the time, the secret was that so many quality artisans worked in Austin. Now, 13 years later, the secret is out. Welcome to the The Secret Series.

Secret Furniture
Opening Reception June 9, 6pm-10pm
open hours: June 10, 11 from 11am-6pm

Massive thanks to our Series supporters Abode Interior Design, Dalgleish Construction, Eastside Lumber & Decking, Kome, Tito’s Vodka, Big Medium and Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Thanks for the graphic design Tomoko Kuwahara. The Secret Series is also funded in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.