FINAL FRIDAY CLOSING - 7-10pm

Taking place simultaneously at COMMERCE Gallery, 508 Commerce
and Redline Gallery (at Lawrence Photo) 401 E. Douglas

Viewing Calendar:
Thursday, May 15, 6-9pm: Preview open to the public.
Friday, May 16, 7-10pm: Opening Reception.
Final Friday, May 30, 7-10pm: Final evening for viewing.

The Salon was conceived as a response to the upcoming River City Biennale. The RCB has raised the bar for the inclusion of artists in a juried process, and this Salon des Refusés will offer the Wichita viewing public the opportunity for a larger dialog about influential artists in the Wichita area, some of which were eliminated from the RCB during the jury process and others who were nominated by peers.
    The Salon des Refusés is a historical reference to the state-sponsored 1863 exhibition of artwork (some 3,000 pieces) which were rejected from the official Paris Salon. Napoleon III wanted to let the public have the final say regarding the legitimacy of the work, resulting in a show adjacent to the Paris Salon. Since then, Salon des Refusés shows have come to represent the "rejects" from juried exhibits. Often these shows take place with the blessing and support of the curators and jury members, and are intended to underscore the difficult job of judging artwork, while showcasing the work of the artists who "almost made the cut." (Wikipedia reference)