odessa – Memphis Flyer

Last month, things weren’t looking too hot for Broad Avenue’s progressive art gallery for emerging artists. Odessa’s owners were struggling to pay the bills for the small space on the arts district’s eastern end.

But an online fundraising campaign was successful in raising more than enough money to keep Odessa open for several months. Co-owner Ashle Bailey told the Flyer in May that she needed to raise $3,000, enough funds to cover rent, utilities, cleaning supplies, and gallery essentials through July. However, the campaign raised $3,340.

Odessa produces three one-night shows per month, including group and solo art exhibitions, installations, movie screenings, and musical showcases.

To learn more about Odessa’s financial struggle, read Andrew Caldwell’s Flyer story.

Online boutique Strange Fruit Vintage will pop into real life tomorrow night as Odessa is transformed into an ’80s-inspired clothing store from 6 – 10 p.m.

With music provided by DJ Homework, Strange Fruit Vintage’s pop-up shop will offer more than 200 vintage pieces, priced from $20 to $100.

A portion of the proceeds from an era-specific $5 photobooth — that I personally can’t wait to see — will benefit the Odessa building fund.

At the Lisa Kurts gallery on White Station tomorrow from 6- 8 p.m., they’ll be celebrating the “White Party Art Reception” with work by Burton Callicott, Marcia Myers, Joan Konkel, and Christine Heyman. And, from what the Flyer’s calendar says, “white clothing optional.”