Greymatter Gallery

Address: 207 E. Buffalo St. #222, Milwaukee, MI 53202
Contact: Zina Mussmann
Email: info@greymattergallery.com
Website: greymattergallery.com
Open Hours: Sat: 12-4

How is the project operated?
Artist-run.

How long has it been in existence?
A little over 3 years.

What was your motivation?
We are attracted to the idea of the artist-run space being a way of subverting a traditional gallery structure. Specifically, we like the idea of the “artist as curator” and being able to collaborate with other artists in organizing thought provoking exhibitions.

Who is responsible for the programming?
Rachel Quirk and Zina Mussmann

Number and duration of exhibitions/events each year:
4 to 6 exhibitions that run about 1-2 months each.

What kinds of events are usually organized?
Openings and artist receptions are held on Milwaukee’s quarterly Gallery Night and Day. Greymatter also holds special events and we tend to hold some artist talks on those evenings.

How is your programming determined?
We put calls for entry out on our website, and also by invitation. Rachel Quirk and Zina Mussmann are the owners/curators of the space.

Do you accept proposals/submissions?
Yes, yearly.

What is your artistic/curatorial approach?
We show work that is conceptually driven, and tend to gravitate toward work that blends different types of media, especially that which incorporates both traditional and new media practices in interesting ways. When all is said and done it’s all about the ideas behind the work. We have shown everything from painting to video and everything in between and pride ourselves on having no two shows that are alike. Also, the compactness of our 12X12′ space allows us to curate shows that are direct and impactful.

What’s working? What’s not working?
Working-Rachel and I (Zina) have known each other for over 15 years and have collaborated together for just as long. We have the same goals, but also have a lot of back and forth about ways of doing things. We challenge each other constantly, and it’s what makes our projects strong.

Not working-Because we’re self-funded, we have day jobs (not to mention our own studio practices and other projects) and can only open the gallery on Saturdays and by appointment. We’d really like to have more hours and are looking at the possibility of doing that soon.

What kind of role do you hope to play in your local art scene or community?
To provide a space for artists who are making challenging work. We want to work with local, national and international artists and invite our community to engage with their work. We want to explore the diversity contemporary art forms take.

What idea are you most excited for the future?
We’re thinking of hosting critique sessions and other events that might benefit local artists.

Images courtesy of Greymatter Gallery unless otherwise noted.