DB: The Helm
The fate of The Helm hangs in the balance.
Sean Alexander is an artist and the major labor force behind what has come to be the finest and most prolific little gallery Tacoma has known. Partnering with friend and fellow art lover, Peter Lynn, the duo has shown artists from New York to Paris. There is no other place in this city that has offered the young artists and art lovers who live here with more valuable images that are driving the art world outside our enclaves. While shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding, the prophets are always marginalized, but the Helm has kept a faithful if somewhat irresponsible following since its grand opening last year.
A modest footprint on Broadway in Downtown Tacoma, The Helm requires between $1200 and $1300 a month to stay afloat. This is not including the 200+ man-hours Peter and Sean split rather erratically between them. For the past three months the gallery has sold next to nothing. That means that the gallery stayed open because Peter has paid the rent himself. Art it seems is a luxury that rising gas prices has made obsolete. Sean and Peter have developed a plan.
Using the Tacoma Dome as an icon, Sean has created a 18“x24” poster of which he will only make 300 prints. They are for sale for a limited time at the extremely reasonable price of $50 per piece. A rising art star showing soon in Portland, Sean’s art is sure to be an investment not only in The Helm’s future but as a print that will grow in value for years to come. One third of the proceeds will go toward hiring an artist to paint a mural downtown that will include the name or business name of everyone who showed their support by purchasing a poster. The mural artist will be chosen by way of vote from the 300 poster owners.
“The only way places like this can stay open is if the community really wants them there. If this is an important spot to the community then we will find out. Personally, I am seeking a community this sort of thing is supported.” Sean told me. I have high hopes that Tacoma can keep real working artists like Sean and Peter around through the hard times.
The posters will be available soon at The Helm, Blackwater, and Tacoma Art Supply.
Filed under: DB
16 comments
P penelope June 27, 2008
Sign me up DB. I want one, and not just because the Helm is in trouble, but because I saw that at Blackwater and wanted one. these boys have brought something Amazing to Tacoma. I don’t always “Get IT” but it’s art, I’m not always supposed to. I wish Tacoma would financially support it’s artists more. This is a prime example of why artists leave Tacoma. There is no revenue being generated for them to survive doing their art. Come on people, I know times are a little tough right now, but I’m sure we can band together and figure out a way to keep such bright talent shining.
B beerBoy June 27, 2008
Why is it that boosterism in Tacoma has to be focused only on the one outlet that the writer prefers? All this hyperbole about the Helm – give me a break – there are plenty of other galleries that have pushed boundaries/provided opportunities/done great work that have come and gone in just the past couple of years yet we have to read all this crap about how the Helm is “the only” “the finest” blah, blah, blah.
If D.B. would have gotten out more and supported the other important galleries that have closed due to lack of support then I might take his pleas to support a one year old gallery more seriously.
And I’m not talking about “oh yes, I went to the 100th Monkey party at your gallery” b.s. that I’ve heard so many times.
Too bad about the Helm but don’t paint them as special. Too bad about Art on Center, the Ice Box, etc., etc. etc.
M michael g. June 27, 2008
Water under the bridge, beerBoy. The Helm’s a good gallery and occasional music venue that’s unlike (and generally better, to my taste) others currently in town — let’s keep it in business.
A altered chords June 27, 2008
My perception is that there is not a large enough population to support the great things the city is offering.
I don’t mean city planners I mean the artists, the shop owners, restauranteus, musicians and developers.
I would encourage any reader to get out, support the Helm, buy a meal at an independent restaurant, come to a jazz gig (shameless plug). Buy a home in Tacoma (or a new condo).
In the meantime, there needs to be a sustained effort on the part of the city to recruit businesses with high paying jobs so that what is springing up in the city will be met with actual patronage and flourish.
M michael g. June 27, 2008
I think the population and incomes are probably large enough, though more of both would of course help. My sense is that a larger problems is that Tacomans, on the whole, don’t value cutting edge art and music all that much.
In places like Portland and Olympia, there’s a large segment of the culture where hipsters/musicians/artists set up little low-rent businesses to serve each other. Tacoma has some of that (the Helm included), but seems not to have reached critical mass.
Inflated rents might be one barrier — judging by the number of vacant storefronts in the Theater District, it seems like building owners are waiting for people to pay rents that aren’t justified. Lower rents would lead to more funky little businesses, which would draw more young creative types, which would lead, eventually, to higher rents…
R rick June 27, 2008
@4: I had similar thoughts as beerBoy regarding the selective boosterism, as he called it, that occasionally appears on 133. However, any time I begin questioning the content of this site, I remind myself that the ‘decision maker(s)’ can put whatever they wish on their site. In turn, I can decide if it’s the type of content worthy of my stroll through the intertubes. Thankfully they’ve pulled satire and spoof, which always seemed like a non starter. Perhaps they’ll scrub 133B soon, though I hope both Sassy and DB (the ‘OTHER’ DB of the Boe variety) remain.
@5: michael g. makes a good point that some other local burgs happen to have a more evolved art-biased culture, along with some favorable economics. Tacoman’s may or may not value art/music as much… which is debatable. It’s possible they/we travel south for their/our fix while our local efforts continue to evolve.
R rick June 27, 2008
ToThe Helm artists: Best wishes for your longevity down on Broadway. I’ve not been to your joint, nor was I previously aware it existed. To that point, the selective boosterism was effective in building awareness. Anyhow, I appreciate the 300 poster approach toward generating some operating capital for the short term. While perhaps that’s just the breathing room you require to become further established, it seems a bit closer to being given a fish rather than learning to fish. I suspect the real path to longevity is traffic, no? Creative business approaches seem in order… and I suspect you have considerable capacity for creativity. As a starting point, you may wish to advertise your posters at the additional outlets, but price them at $60 if purchased there… and offer a discounted price if purchased from your shop, thus getting people in the door. Also, you may consider hosting private events (having not been, I don’t know if this is practical). Smallish receptions come to mind… birthday or anniversary parties… fundraisers… and as funny as it sounds, I think there’s a market in hosting book club discussions—good demographic, artistic bent (at least literary). If you could do this at a no/nominal fee, it would certainly help generate traffic, but more importantly would help generate word of mouth/references… the lifeblood of small businesses. I’ll save my ideas for a co-op/suite 133 styled “store front” for another day…
R rick June 27, 2008
@DB (of the “Blue” variety)… I applaud your willingness to put your “stuff” up on the 133B for public consumption. Doing so is a risk that few will take. And that concludes my favorable comments.
Ironically, while not a fan, I still look forward to each of your subsequent efforts, but in the same way I seek out William Kristol in the NY Times – I know I’ll probably dislike what I read, but am still curious as to why. In your case, it is generally your surprising level of egocentrism, matched only by your tortured attempt at literary flair that causes my disdain.
Now, I’m no MENSA member (as evidenced by my broken haiku buried in the comments somewhere), nor am I a lit major, or literary critic (until now), so perhaps you’re really talented and I’m simply ignorant. That said, I feel like many of your essays should begin, “I am sooo painfully cool, and I will now tell you why: “.
Even in this different type of essay/editorial/plea… you leave out key info like an address (where, exactly, is this “modest footprint on Broadway”?) and, perhaps, a thumbnail pic of the very poster you’re pushing on their behalf. However, you do include the oddly phrased, “While shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding, the prophets are always marginalized, but the Helm has kept a faithful if somewhat irresponsible following since its grand opening last year.” What the hell does that mean? Are Sean and David prophets? If prophets are ALWAYS marginalized, then wouldn’t this be a lost cause? Why aren’t the faithful following purchasing some of their work? And…irresponsible? I suspect that’s a reference that only the faithful following would understand. Perhaps a reference better used in the subscriber-only THE HELM – FAITHFUL, IRRESPONSIBLE AND BROKE FOLLOWING NEWSLETTER.
Lastly, does it really seem that gas prices are rendering art obsolete? Really? Or did that sentence just sound good to you? Perhaps “art” is simply competing with every other luxury item available during a tough economic period. Not the ideal timing for opening a gallery…
I could go on, but my flight has arrived, and must shut down soon… Thank you for keeping me company while stuck at O’hare. I look forward to the next dreadful essay!
U urbanecologist June 28, 2008
Woe to the man who puts his name, his face, and his hope-soaked words on the line for people and places that have captured his heart and imagination. And woe unto seven generations to the community who seeks to tear down for the sake of the rush that comes from destructive motion. Instead of hewing at the base of the pine tree that doesn’t quite speak to your aesthetic preferences, consider planting a maple. Then we would have two trees instead of none.
M michael buchanan June 29, 2008
How can I not buy one. Not only is Helm my late Mothers maiden name and my son’s middle name, the gallery is located in the very spot where my Father and Brother had their failed shoe store in the 50’s. I moved back to Tacoma last July after being gone only 50 years!If you look closely above the outside windows you can still see the outline of our family name-Buchanan. It was in cursive neon. At that point I lost it!
T tressie July 1, 2008
it’s always this way in the begining..which is why the super employed and/or the trustfundians do this kind of thing….and the starving artists always supply the Cool….as do the gays……Good for you! we need more small/art boosterism!
Z zowie July 7, 2008
AT 8 (RICK) “you leave out key info”
It is Sean and Peter not Sean and David.
ALSO:
“Not the ideal timing for opening a gallery…”
The Helm opened last September after 6+ months of planning and hard labor. At its conception, well over a year ago, the economy was no where near the state it is in today. I do not think that placing the blame for the gallery’s economic hardships on the shoulders of Sean and Peter due to their bad judgment is fair or accurate. The art world is a tough place to break even. Even in places like New York city galleries have trouble. The Helm is in Tacoma. During a recession.
Give them a break.
THE HELM
760 Broadway
in the Bostwick Building
http://www.thehelmgallery.com/
M Mofo from the Hood July 7, 2008
Rick @6:
E133 offers a great mix of quick-read Tacoma-specific topics. As for your comment on E133 satire features, when you have time read last December’s “Zoo Light.” The writing and visuals in that piece immediately set a new, higher standard for the readers to both enjoy and dare respond in a like manner.
The Friday Satire & Spoof, like the COTW (some comments are worth repeating) are two items that should be part of the regular stock.
As for the Helm, maybe featuring a regular stock of low price items ($30.00 or less) would serve to increase store traffic and create broader awareness of the gallery.
B beerBoy July 8, 2008
Zowie @12
A quick look at the openings and subsequent closings of art galleries in Tacoma in years past demonstrates that, even in a healthy economy, Tacoma galleries don’t fare well. The “art scene” is mostly gallery bums who want to act bohemian and drink free wine at openings and monkey parties.
Spending “6+ months of planning and hard labor” prior to opening a business is hardly exceptional and, truth be told, is on the scant side.
Hopefully the Helm’s planning included development of a detailed business plan that soberly examined demand for their product and possible competition. However, it seems more likely that the owners’ enthusiasm for the project and their confidence that a youth-oriented, “hip” gallery would have to successful was intoxicating.
L Laura Hanan July 8, 2008
Maybe people should ask car dealers, clothiers, jewelers, and restaurants to lower their prices. Art has always been affordable – I really, really, REALLY wish people would stop asking artists to give their work away for next to nothing.
Americans need to shift their perspective and place more value on original art instead of SUVs and designer clothes. Tacoma has some of the most affordable art that I have ever seen.
C crenshaw sepulveda July 9, 2008
I’m sure most galleries sell more in posters of the works they have on display than they do in original art. I’m surprised most of the Helm’s exhibits didn’t have posters for purchase. Right up my alley and I suspect a good many other people. 50 posters @ 25 bucks each is not a bad chunk of money.
I agree with Laura and will add that even if the artist seems to be charging what seems to be a high price for an original work not all of it goes to the artist and more often than not the amount of time an artist puts into the work ends up paying the artist minimum wage at the so called unreasonable price. There is a reason the term starving artist is in usage.