By Scotlyn Ogle
Art Tooth started as a collaboration between art collectives Bobby on Drums and Exhibitionists in 2016, and since then has led to opportunities all over Fort Worth for up-and-coming artists.
“There are a lot of artists in Fort Worth, but not a lot of space for them to display their work,” says Shasta Haubrich, Director and Co-Founder of Art Tooth. “We invite businesses to support these artists, which allows them to meet different types of people than they would have on their own, and make these opportunities for them.”
Because there are so many artists in Fort Worth, there is not always enough gallery space. Art Tooth acts as a liaison between local businesses and artists, and helps connect them to create more places for the art.
“At every level of artistry there’s not enough space, and that’s why the murals have gotten so popular,” says Haubrich. “They decided to make space by putting art on the walls, because there’s always going to be a lot of walls.”
Their biggest event of the year, the Gallery Night Party Bus, didn’t happen after the pandemic closed everything before they could host in late March. Without this fundraiser, they didn’t have the funding they otherwise would have in order to support the most artists possible.
Thankfully, they have been able to secure a few grants, including the Donny Wiley Memorial Fund, which has allowed them to continue to stay afloat throughout 2020.
They were also able to participate in North Texas Giving Day powered by Communities Foundation of Texas. They promoted heavily on their social media, and were able to secure extra donations through the program.
One project that has been able to continue to curate throughout the entire year is the exhibit at the SoMa District micro-park. The art is behind plexiglass, and also viewers to social-distance as they admire from the outside. In 2021, they will have three more artists showcase their art here.
“One goal for the upcoming year is to build on representing underrepresented artists,” says Haubrich. “A lot of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) and LGBTQ artists don’t have a lot of opportunities within the city, and that’s our big focus.”
Art Tooth recently announced the recipients of the “Hotel Dryce, You Are Here Art Grant,” which will help showcase five BIPOC artists. Brenda Ciardiello, Guillermo Tapia, Jean Fernandes, Adam Mckinney, and Niki Dionne will work with Art Tooth and Hotel Dryce to create art which will be displayed throughout the hotel’s common spaces and guest rooms. The hotel is set to open early next year.
If you want to help support Art Tooth and local artists, you can donate to their page here. \
If you want to directly support artists, you can buy their work. Through January 16, art will be available for purchase at the Community Art Center. The exhibit is called Ladies Night, and features female artists that have worked with Art Tooth over the last four years.
Businesses are encouraged to contact Art Tooth to collaborate with artists for mutually beneficial projects, and artists are welcomed to reach out if they are looking for resources.
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