Vinegar obtains 2 spaces to exhibit, support artists

When Birmingham visual-arts group Vinegar formed in 2018, the members — lacking a brick-and-mortar space — staged exhibitions and installations at venues such as Linn Park and a backyard in Lakeview.

While Vinegar wants to stay in touch with its nomadic roots, two of the original founders — Melissa Robert Yes and Ann Trondson — have now obtained two brick-and-mortar spaces.

VINEGAR Contemporary, the group’s headquarters and exhibition space, is located at 701 37th St. S. in Forest Park.

Airbnb X VINEGAR is located in two adjoining apartments at 214 18th St. N.

And Vinegar, which seeks to champion and help support working artists, is maturing as an organization.

“We are no longer an artists collective,” Trondsen told Iron City Ink. “We are an artist-run nonprofit organization.”

At VINEGAR Contemporary, which measures about 1,000 square feet, Vinegar will present emerging and experimental artists from around the world.

Vinegar raised almost $10,000 for the space’s renovation during its Oct. 27 opening event, Trondsen and Yes said. The renovation of the space began in December.

The women are happy to have their headquarters in Forest Park, which is centrally located, has “lots of history” and “plenty of other cool things to do nearby,” such as shops, eateries and yoga studios, they said.

At Airbnb X VINEGAR, the organization will present bi-monthly shows that highlight artists from Birmingham and the region.

“We’re excited that visitors to Birmingham will get a chance to engage and live with art by local and regional contemporary artists,” Yes and Trondsen said. “We hope that this might lead to some sales for the artists, and will broaden the audience for their work.”

The Airbnb model seemed to be a cost-effective way for Vinegar — in its infancy as a nonprofit and with a limited budget — to find another place to show work.

The women were introduced by a friend to the owners of a space on 18th Street North downtown.

“The owners are enthusiastic and flexible, and we loved their vision for the space,” which was being renovated, Yes and Trondsen said.

Vinegar’s upcoming events include an opening reception at Airbnb X VINEGAR on Jan. 8 and a First Fridays grand opening at VINEGAR Contemporary on Feb. 7.

For details, go to vinegarprojects.org or on social media @vinegarprojects.