Bicycle-themed art show opens this Saturday at Gallery 305K in Bridgeport

Gallery 305K
305 Knowlton St., Bridgeport, (203) 814-6856
Fresh Frames
Apr. 9—30, 2011.
Opening reception: Sat., Apr. 9, 3—30—6:30 p.m.

Press release

Gallery 305K is proud to present Fresh Frames, a show celebrating the enduring and inspiring bicycle. In this show bicycles have been designed, redesigned, reappropriated, deconstructed and customized. We will display a wide variety of Customized, Lowrider, motorized, antique, and unique style bicycles.

The show will consist of rare bicycles and some visual art that deals with the bicycle.

The bicycles that roam the streets of Bridgeport are as unique as the city itself. There are chromed out lowriders, tricked out BMX bikes, motorized cruisers, muscle bikes mountain bike and choppers. All will be featured at Fresh Frames.

Bridgeport bicycle culture is a much about the places to ride as the bikes. We will be showcasing Bridgeport’s bicycle friendliness with maps for self guided tours leaving from the gallery. There will also be guided theme rides leaving from 305K every Saturday at 2 p.m. Check Facebook for detailed information on these. We will wrap up the show with an Alley Cat race on April 29, leaving from the gallery and ending at the Nest Art Space Spring Arts Fest.

There will also be visual art that celebrates and explores the bicycle and it’s form.

The show will feature bicycles created by Chris Mandell, owner of Spoke-n-Wheel since 1984. Spoke is the most unique bicycle store in Fairfield County. A true hidden gem on E Main St in Bridgeport. Mandell is most known for being an incredible mechanic and having the largest supply of vintage bikes anywhere. As far as being a mechanic, he can handle anything from fixing a flat to a complete restoration.

We will also have a selection of custom motorized bicycles from Steve Richardson and antique and collectible bikes from private collections.

Visual Artists included will be Joe Quint, Michelle Beaulieu, Mark Derosa, Janet Habansky, Jason Streater, Eric Hup, Max Weiner, Liz Squillace, Mariza Ferrari and Charlie Walsh.

As part of the celebration of bikes, we will be sponsoring bike rides each Saturday from the Gallery. This Saturday, Apr. 9 at 2 p.m., join in the opening by coming on a tour of Bridgeport led by John Wilkins: Group ride at 305K Gallery located at 305 Knowlton Street, Bridgeport CT. Come see the Parks City's waterfront parks. Family friendly ride for older children or children in tow. 12 miles total plenty of stops 2—3 hours.

Upcoming events at new Gallery 305K in Bridgeport

Gallery 305K
305 Knowlton St., Bridgeport, (203) 814-6856
Upcoming events:
Sun., Jan. 23, 3 p.m.: Historical talk with Mary Witkowski and Charles Brilvitch.
Tues., Jan. 25, 7 p.m.: Views on Bridgeport's future.
Sun., Feb. 5, 3 p.m.: Grand Opening Show reception.

Press release

The New Gallery 305K, Art and Cultural Center. (formerly the Gallery at Black Rock) announces it’s move and grand opening event schedule.

In celebration of the gallery’s move to the City of Bridgeport’s vibrant East Side we are having three grand opening events. The gallery’s move is part of its mission to bring arts and culture to Bridgeport Residents. The historic factory space at 305 Knowlton Street has considerably more space so that we are able to show a much more broad array of arts, music, film, dance, etc. The building, a newly renovated and restored 19th century bicycle and automobile factory, houses the studios and workspaces of architects, filmmakers, fine artists, fine furniture makers and decorative painters as well as the new gallery. The gallery aims to become an integral part of the east side neighborhood and plans to provide programs and art events that will serve and be of interest to its residents, as well as the wider Greater Bridgeport area.

Sun., Jan. 23, 3 p.m. • Charles Brilvitch and Mary Witkowski will speak on the history of the east side of Bridgeport and the Armstrong factory in which the gallery is housed. Mary Witkowski runs the Bridgeport History Center at the Burrows Library. She is the current Bridgeport City Historian. Charles Brilvitch is a past Bridgeport City Historian and a noted expert in the architectural history of the city of Bridgeport.

Tues., Jan. 25, 7 p.m. • The gallery will host students from the University of Munich in coordination with Nils Weisenmuller of Bridgeport Design Group who will showcase their views for Bridgeport’s future including ideas on sustainable development.

Sun., Feb. 5, 3 p.m. • The Grand Opening Show reception! The show will feature a sampling of art from the Black Rock gallery artists, as well as some artists work who we will be featuring in the future. It is an open themed show that will allow our artists to show their newest and best work and will set the tone for the gallery’s future exhibits.

Some artists included will be Joan Fitzsimmons, Liz Squillace, Marcella Kurowski, Felipe Soltero, Mark DeRosa, Jessica Bajoros, Michelle Beaulieu and more.

The gallery will have regular Business hours beginning Thursday Feb. 10, Thurs.—Sat. from 11:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m.