Pike Street art gallery reopens as The BLDG with fresh new approach

On Friday, November 13, the former Pike Street Art Gallery at 30 W. Pike Street (map) will officially reopen as The BLDG. The gallery will feature new brow art often referred to as "mongrel art," described as an evolution of street art by the directors/founders of The BLDG.

"It's gallery art in a street art fashion," said The BLDG director/founder Roman Titus.

The former tobacco warehouse has The BLDG's print shop and studio on the second floor and a 2,000 square-foot gallery space on the first level.  Due to the warehouse configuration, the first floor gallery space is very much a blank canvas and what eventually inspired the gallery's name.
 
"As long as Mike (Amann) has owned the building we just referred to it as "the building," and it just kind of stuck," said Titus.  "The building is really defined by what's inside the space."

Amann bought the building shortly after graduating from Western Kentucky University.  Having grown up in the area, he decided to start his own graphic design firm in the space.

Titus, on the other hand, comes into The BLDG with years of experience working as an indie music photographer.  Both Titus and Amann were driven to the new style of art that takes a professional design approach to a different level.

"You don't need an art degree to understand this kind of art," said Titus.

The BLDG is open 1pm to 6pm daily and until 8pm on Thursdays.  The grand opening party for the gallery will take place on Friday, November 13 from 8pm to midnight and will feature work by PREFAB.  PREFAB's show at The BLDG will be their first solo show outside of the United Kingdom.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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