The grand reopening party for Wolf/Sheep Arthouse tonight is about more than an expansion or renovation for owner Erik Van Kobra.
It’s about fulfilling the vision he had for the multi-disciplinary arts collective when it moved into the Government Street space more than two years ago.
“We want people to realize that this is really the final visualization of what we wanted and intended it to be — and what we wanted to offer the community,” he said.
Van Kobra opened the space with a small group of tattoo artists who shared views about what art should be and who should have access to it.
He said they were all frustrated with the exclusive feeling of traditional galleries and art shows.
“One thing we wanted to do was create art like we created tattoos — make them for people and have people involved,” he said.
They expanded their vision to include design, music and other artistic areas, and launched a venue where they could create work and sell it together.
Now, Wolf/Sheep has a new and improved space to do so, following a recent 2,200-square-foot expansion.
It was made possible when Van Kobra took over the lease from former business-next-door Absolute Underground.
In addition to a larger storefront, there’s increased studio space for media and graphic design, as well as a spacious tattoo consultation lounge.
And while a bit of chaos is a given in any art-based business, Van Kobra said Wolf/Sheep feels more cohesive, professional and comfortable for everyone involved.
“Being a collective, by nature, it’s sort of important that everybody work together on all the different projects. Having the extra room means people can have designated areas and also float in between,” he said.
Entertainment at tonight’s party, which runs from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., includes an all-vinyl set by Mullet Man, an original set by Dead Air, as well as Colin of local hip-hop duo Pigeon Hole. The official after-party will be held at Lucky Bar featuring Olav, Monolithium and Rennie Foster.
The party, from Van Kobra’s perspective, is as much about celebrating the new space as it is about celebrating what the collective has achieved to this point.
“I don’t ever for a second take for granted that I run a very successful art collective,” he said.
“For me, that’s it’s own reward.”