NewStudio Gallery Deploys New Technology for First Online Exhibition: Printmakers Pop-Up

NewStudio Gallery is the only gallery in the Midwest to create such 3D virtual experiences

Photos providedHousing an art gallery within an architecture firm has definite benefits. When NewStudio Architecture moved its offices into a 1902 building in St. Paul’s Creative Enterprise Zone—the former American Folding Bed warehouse, which the architecture firm restored and renovated—the firm created a gallery in its lower level. Along with having a workshop and design expertise on site, the gallery also benefits from the 3D laser-scanning visualization technology the firm uses. Especially, now, during the pandemic.

“The 3D technology is fast becoming the standard for immersive experiences,” says Sean Wagner, architect, principal, and owner of NewStudio Gallery, which recently opened its first virtual, online exhibition, Printmakers Pop-Up: Holiday Edition. The exhibition includes screen prints from local artists LandLand (Dan Black, Jessica Seamans), Studio on Fire, and Burlesque of North America. The online exhibition runs through January 15, 2022.

“We saw an opportunity, especially during an ongoing pandemic, to deploy the 3D laser-scanning technology, which we use with our clients’ projects, to expand the gallery’s scope,” says Wagner, who works around the U.S. and in Canada with residential, retail, and hospitality clients. The technology is used in industries from architecture and real estate to facilities management and hospitality—just not in many art galleries. NewStudio Gallery is the only gallery in the Midwest to create such 3D virtual experiences.

“We’ve used this technology with our last three in-gallery exhibitions [go here, here, and here],” Wagner explains. “The technology creates a digital twin, or accurate digital copy, of the gallery interior and its contents, including artwork. So, in addition to live in situ exhibitions, we’ve been offering art enthusiasts and connoisseurs the opportunity to view and purchase artwork from our exhibitions online. With the pandemic still a concern, we decided to create an exhibition that would be completely virtual.”

Printmakers Pop-Up is easy to use for art collectors or anyone looking to purchase the screen prints. Shoppers simply click one of two versions. One is a scroll-down exhibition with the image, its origin story, dimensions, materials, artist, and price. Simply click on the purchase link to buy. The other is the 3D visualization, which allows shoppers to cruise through the gallery, click on a circle to zoom in on a screen print, get more info, and purchase.

The glorious “Gold & Grey” by John Baizely, a montage of birds and figures in swirling orange, pink, gold, black, and red, was originally an album cover for the band Baroness. The print available is a printer’s proof, a 16-color screen print on Crane Crest white cotton paper. Other prints include “Wake Now, Discover…” by Ben LaFond, of early ice melt at sunrise on Lake Superior.

There’s a vibrant portrait of Malala Yousafzai, lovely botanical prints of Minnesota wildflowers, a whimsical print with a recipe for Tater Tot Hotdish, prints of album covers designed for Foo Fighters and Billy Strings, and more. Purchased artwork can be picked up at the gallery or shipped. Visit newstudiogallery.com for more details.

No posts to display