Sioux City has a vibrant art scene, and Art SUX collaborative art gallery lets community members see works from dozens of talented local artists all under one roof, while enjoying delicious food and drink. I've visited Art SUX several times with my family, and based on my research and that personal experience, here's my full review of and guide to Art SUX Gallery in downtown Sioux City:
.png)
Once you go past the Brekky's counter and main dining area, the rest of the first floor and all of the second floor are the Art SUX Gallery. Art SUX is an art collaborative, with many local artists as members. The name is a cheeky nod to Sioux City's airport code, SUX. And one of those local SUX artists, Amy Thompson, spearheaded the effort to start Art SUX, originally in the Ho-Chunk building in 2019, and then re-opened in their current building in summer 2021. Thompson and her husband bought the building and started Art SUX to give not just themselves but also other local artists a wonderful environment to share their art with Siouxland visitors.
One of my favorite artists there is Chaeli Kohn whose Shady Grove Pottery is absolutely beautiful. I try to keep her Christmas ornaments on hand for last minute gifts because they're so affordable but also pretty and I feel like being made by a local artist is really special in a way something from a big box store wouldn't be.
Art SUX is always innovating and improving. On my most recent visit I was excited to see this cute coloring corner they created, where we could relax and enjoy our drinks while coloring. And I always look forward to seeing what else they change and add each visit to Art SUX.
One of the most fun features in the Art SUX Gallery is the take/leave/love shelf. Everyone who visits is invited to leave and/or take art. Last time we visited, I left a little sloth mom and baby finger puppet I had made, and we took a graphic novel that my one of my kids was really excited about. So, thank you to whoever left the book, and you're welcome to whoever chose the sloths. Anyway, when you head to Art SUX, consider bringing along something little you or your kids have made so that it can spread joy with others too.
Art SUX love hosting creative events, and in the past have held events including open mic nights, art popups, and participate in Art Walk events with other local art organizations.
.png)
Where is Art SUX?
Art SUX Gallery is located at 515 4th Street in downtown Sioux City, Iowa.
The building was originally home to the T.S. Martin Department Store
beginning slightly more than a century ago, and more recently to Karlton's
clothing store. Other businesses currently on the same block include
Trattoria Fresco and Brightside Cafe. There is street parking available in
front which is metered; however, metered parking in Sioux City is free on
weekends and evenings.
Art SUX Gallery
Once you go past the Brekky's counter and main dining area, the rest of the first floor and all of the second floor are the Art SUX Gallery. Art SUX is an art collaborative, with many local artists as members. The name is a cheeky nod to Sioux City's airport code, SUX. And one of those local SUX artists, Amy Thompson, spearheaded the effort to start Art SUX, originally in the Ho-Chunk building in 2019, and then re-opened in their current building in summer 2021. Thompson and her husband bought the building and started Art SUX to give not just themselves but also other local artists a wonderful environment to share their art with Siouxland visitors.
And walking in is a delight. The art includes a wide variety of
mediums and subjects, including pottery, painting, photography, and
sculpture. While the themes do vary widely, much of it is very modern.
One of my favorite artists there is Chaeli Kohn whose Shady Grove Pottery is absolutely beautiful. I try to keep her Christmas ornaments on hand for last minute gifts because they're so affordable but also pretty and I feel like being made by a local artist is really special in a way something from a big box store wouldn't be.
I'm also a huge fan of Bette Skewis-Arnett, who I had the privilege of taking drama class from when I was a college student. Her works at Art SUX are primarily colorful abstract oil paintings and it's so fun to see her express her creativity through visual arts.
And Thompson's works are a highlight of Art SUX, like this charming Oz-themed multimedia piece that caught my daughter's eye on a recent visit:
There are dozens of artists with Art SUX, and the lineup is fairly
consistent but does rotate some occasionally, so I encourage you to check the
Art SUX website or social media to keep up with changes.
And throughout Art SUX you'll also find comfy and quirky seating where you can sit and enjoy the art.
The future of Art SUX
Art SUX is always innovating and improving. On my most recent visit I was excited to see this cute coloring corner they created, where we could relax and enjoy our drinks while coloring. And I always look forward to seeing what else they change and add each visit to Art SUX.
Renovating a historic building isn't without its challenges. While they've
done a beautiful job of transforming the space in a way that still honors its
past and showcases its features, they have run into some tough things. One of
the primary projects they dream of eventually completing is installing an
elevator. Art SUX is currently working towards grants and other funding
sources to install an elevator in their building to make the second-floor
galleries accessible to all. I'm so excited for this to happen, because it
will mean people in wheelchairs and strollers can get to the second story and
see so much more of the cool art.
Love Art Leave Art Shelf at Art SUX
One of the most fun features in the Art SUX Gallery is the take/leave/love shelf. Everyone who visits is invited to leave and/or take art. Last time we visited, I left a little sloth mom and baby finger puppet I had made, and we took a graphic novel that my one of my kids was really excited about. So, thank you to whoever left the book, and you're welcome to whoever chose the sloths. Anyway, when you head to Art SUX, consider bringing along something little you or your kids have made so that it can spread joy with others too.
Events by Art SUX and Art SUX for Kids
Art SUX love hosting creative events, and in the past have held events including open mic nights, art popups, and participate in Art Walk events with other local art organizations.
Art SUX also hosts kids' events under the name "Art SUX for Kids." The people
of Art SUX love art and are passionate about making sure kids have
opportunities to express themselves creatively and find their own love of art
too. Thompson in particular used to be an English teacher and was excited
about the prospect of putting those skills to use teaching future artists. Art
SUX usually hosts monthly events for kids, usually on-site but also sometimes
other places, like at the Sioux City Farmer's Market where my kids recently
got to decorate some Crumb cookies with frosting and sprinkles provided by Art
SUX. Watch the Art SUX for Kids facebook page for the latest updates on their kids events.
More about Art SUX
To learn more about Art SUX Gallery, visit the Art SUX website or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
To learn more about Brekky's, check out my full guide to Brekky's.
We are lucky to have this cool community treasure in downtown Siouxland, and
I'm so excited to see what the future holds for Art SUX
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks for joining in the conversation! We can't wait to hear what you have to say. Some comments are moderated, so it may take some time for your comment to appear on the site. We encourage lively discussion, but will delete comments that are hostile, hateful, spammy, or rude.