We speak with the co-founders of the Alternative Gallery in our premiere episode.

Brandon Wunder, Jay Echevarria & Rob Riegel discuss why & how they started the Alternative Gallery in 2012, what the experience has been like and how other artists can start something similar.

The Alternative Gallery is a non-profit arts organization located in Allentown, PA.

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https://www.thealternativegallery.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thealternativegallery

https://www.instagram.com/alternativegallery/

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https://www.instagram.com/artbyjayechevarria/

https://www.instagram.com/kon_flict/

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00:00 - Introduction

04:09 - Showing art in the Lehigh Valley pre-AG

07:22 - How artists in America lack resources & Support

15:04 - Why we started the Alternative Gallery

18:24 - And just like that, we had an art gallery

21:25 - Location isn't everything

23:20 - Our first retail space

25:12 - Problems at the hotel

28:28 - Moving to the Cigar Factory & first impressions

38:30 - The barter deal that kept us going

40:43 - How the neighborhood shaped our mission

45:51 - Allentown ArtsFest

51:29 - Surviving the Pandemic

54:43 - Non-profits have to be ready to pivot

56:38 - Where do you think you'd be without the AG?

59:18 - Artists need your support!

01:04:05 - How you can support even without money

01:04:52 - Advice for new & young artists

01:06:47 - Tips to make vending easier

01:08:19 - Best ways for artists to take payments

01:09:42 - Standout moments from the first 11 years of AG

01:12:16 - Growth has given us a deeper understanding

01:14:58 - We love doctors!

01:15:37 - What does the future of AG look like to you?

01:18:18 - Every city & town needs an art space

01:21:23 - Let us know if you want to start your own space!

01:25:41 - Social & cultural organizations are what empower the people

01:27:22 - Find the artists like yourself and work together!

01:28:22 - Outro