The Octopus and The Fox

[uds-billboard name=”octofox”]

The Octopus and The Fox

Address: 514 Central Ave SE Albuerquerque, NM 87112
Email: theoctopusandthefox@gmail.com
Phone: (505) 203-2659
Open Hours: Monday through Saturday 11-7pm

How is the project operated? For-profit, nonprofit, artist-run, etc.
Our store is operated by three women artists: Belita Orner, Jessi MB Campbell, and Loryn Udell.
How long has it been in existence?
We have been open since February 2011. We are quickly approaching our one year anniversary!
What was your motivation?
We know that Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a vibrant artistic community. Although there are a great number of galleries that showcase the amazing talent in this city, there aren’t too many venues that cater to the crafting community. We provide classes in the hopes of furthering a do-it-yourself environment. So, in a nutshell, we are trying to encourage the success of local crafters and artists, and inspiring creativity in Albuquerque.
Number of organizers/responsible persons of the project?
The Octopus and The Fox was initially the brain child of four aspiring women: Belita Orner, Jessi MB Campbell, Kim Patel, and Loryn Udell. Kim Patel recently left to pursue other interests. Now the original three are the owners and organizers.
How are programs funded? (membership fees, public funding, sponsors, etc.)
We currently offer classes in silkscreening, sewing (from basics to more advanced projects), and crocheting! Our classes are led by the owners and sometimes we include outside artists to share in the crafting knowledge. These programs are funded by interested future crafters who pay class fees.
Who is responsible for the programming?
Our events are determined by the owners’ discretion. We try to consistently have events to keep up interest in our store and the fantastic art within.
Number and average duration of exhibitions/events per year? What kind of events are usually organized?
We typically try to average around one featured artist/crafter event every two months. The artist is present during the event to answer and discuss questions concerning their work and mingle with attendees. We are hosting our one year anniversary party Friday, February 3rd, featuring the amazing art of Amy Cliser! We are very excited about reaching our one year mark and showcasing Amy’s pieces.
We have had additional events, including fundraisers for charitable organizations. For instance, we hosted an art auction to fund raise for Albuquerque Public School’s after-school programs and, last November, we hosted a craft fair in The Artichoke Café parking lot this to raise money for a Newborn ICU holiday blanket project. We will be hosting more craft fairs later this year and hope to make it an annual endeavor.
Do you accept proposals/submissions?
The Octopus and The Fox is always excited to see new work by new artists. We ask interested individuals to send an email us and include images of their work or links to websites with examples of their work. We then review the work (all owners have to agree on what will be selected for the store) and get back to the artist. We love all types of creative and artistic mediums!
What is your artistic/curatorial approach?
Our artistic approach is to provide the Albuquerque community with affordable and awesome crafts and art. We approach every new consignor with a sense of openness and excitement. Obviously, we cannot accommodate every artist or crafter that contacts us but we currently have over seventy artists displayed in our little shop!
What kind of role do you hope to play in your local art scene or community?
We hope to continue to provide an accepting atmosphere to artists and crafters to sell their pieces. We also hope to continue to encourage a do-it-yourself attitude by teaching classes and exposing people in the community to different types of crafts.
What idea are you most excited about for the future?
We are excited about expanding our classes and doing more events for the community such as a fundraiser for The Storehouse and other local non-profits!