For further details click here: Prag 61

A press release was sent out about Atelier Prag 61 in Danish. I translated it using Google Translate & I am never sure if the exact meaning comes across as it was intended in some translations. For the most part I do think you can still understand the text and i found it interesting to learn at little bit about the history of the art studio where I work. The translation follows – please let me know what you think.

One of the largest joint workshops for artists hiding at first hall of a large old yellow commercial building in Prague Boulevard. Saturday 5th November and Sunday 6 November offers all interested artists to look inside. To see how the various workshops looks. For live music, to tour and to meet the artists who have their daily walk and work in the studio.

When you come running to Prague’s Boulevard – and even at the end farthest from Amagerbrogade – you would not immediately think that there was something special to come by. If you are not just looking for tile or should have ordered his car after a little accident. But it’s there.

In the old buildings and around the backyards teeming with small firms. And with artists! One of the places where there are gathered a lot of art is to Prague Boulevard 61st Here is the entire first floor – approximately 450 m2 – leased to one of the largest joint workshops for artists: Atelier PRAGUE 61st

21 years in Amager
The studio has existed since 1980. Originally it was in Copenhagen and was a workshop for women only called Waltz Queens. The gender distribution was soon spoiled by portrait painter Mathias Rye, which is still part of the workshop, and which today is the one who has been with longest. In 1990 moved his studio to Holmbladsgade, and since 2008 has been based in Prague Boulevard.

“In Holmbladsgade we lived in the Blue Warehouse,” says Mads Rye. “It was a wonderful studio with high ceilings, but when the building was demolished to make way for new construction, we had to find something new. We would like to be in the area and we were lucky enough to find something roughly on the other side of the street. Funnily enough, we can from our current address look over at the old place – which today is just an empty field with weeds, the building plans were put on hold because of the crisis. ”

The hiding
At first glance, Prague Boulevard maybe not exactly the most interesting part of Copenhagen. Especially not in the end where Kløvermarken’s neighbor, and you can see wind turbines in the distance. But PRAGUE Atelier 61 is located in an area that actually hides a lot of small business.

In the studio neighborhood, we see for example a company that makes neon. One that comes in wood. A car-sprayer. One that works with motorcycles. A recording studio and graphic workshop. As well as a blacksmith, a goldsmith and many other artists.

Within the last few years have also sprung up several interesting galleries. For example, you will find 68 Square Metres Art Space in No 43 and No 49 is Marianne Friis Gallery. At the roundabout has Prague’s Garden since the spring made the area more vibrant and green, and it was here that Dennis Design Center earlier this year struck its folds.

18 different artists
PRAGUE Studio 61 is home to a total of 18 artists. Age wise, the members from 23-59 years, and today is pretty equal gender distribution. Through the years, the studio had a tradition of hosting many international artists. Currently counts members as also an American, one Australian and three from England. Meanwhile, the studio solidly anchored on Amager, and 1 / 3 of the studio artists resident in Amager.

The art is very different and varied. The studio is home to many painters, but there are also photographs, drawings and sculptures. Several members teach art, including at evening classes, art school in Greenland and at the International School in Hellerup.

The 18 artists with very different backgrounds and experiences. More trained at art school, while others have a background as a graphic designer, set designer, cartoonist or something else entirely. Members exhibiting at home and abroad. Sometimes together, but usually singly or in other contexts.

Come on in.
The idea to hold an open house came in 2008 when the studio also held the first event. It was so successful that a weekend open house has been repeated every year since. There are many who like to take this opportunity to see a studio inside. PRAGUE Atelier 61 is located stressed that art would be “get at eye level” and that with your own eyes can see how each artist works on a daily basis.

One of the artists in the studio, Jan Wessel, who live in Amager, which for over 20 years has lived by his art: “I think many people can easily come to feel a little ignorant about art and perhaps believing that one need to know a whole lot to look at art. It must be in my eyes at all. If you just keep the eyes and senses open, everyone can get something out of looking at art. There must not be words at all. We want it to be informal. So if you are a little curious, so just come and look inside, “says Jan, who has been a member of the studio since 1990 and originally trained designer.

Good vibes
One of those who have a fresh ride to Prague Boulevard, is Kit Kjølhede Laursen, who lives in Frederiksberg. She has been a member of the studio since 2008. “I could easily find a studio closer to where I live, but I’m really happy to be here. It is a good place. Here is a nice atmosphere and some good people. I have often been guests around our shop, and people always comment on how incredibly different our art is. Similarly, our jobs also quite differently decorated. It’s a little funny to see the extent to which sites reflect who lives there. People often comment on how proper my place is – it fits just not into the story that an artist should preferably be poor and fiddle and go with a French beret. But as I said, we are quite different, “says Kit, which encourages people to come and judge for themselves.

Quality and Chemistry
Paul Neale lives in return just around the corner from the studio. He studied at art academies in England, but ended up in 1983 in Denmark. He has worked for many years as a cartoonist for such Jyllands-Posten. He has been with the studio since 1985. Thus, he has also been involved in numerous recording sessions. Paul says: “When we have a vacancy, we keep always a conversation with the artists who are interested in space. We would like to ensure a certain quality. That it is an artist who works seriously with his art and who has some ambition. We would also like to have people who come often, so we have life in his studio. And then we will of course also like to ensure that the chemistry fit – for both parties. So yes, we have often said no to applicants for one reason or another. It is of course sometimes someone who is sad. But in the long run, it is important for both sides that there is a good match. ”

2 x COMPETITION

Both Saturday and Sunday held a competition and there is obviously art prizes up for grabs! Simply over the weekend to visit the studio and give an idea of how you think that the studio took its current name (Atelier PRAG 61).

Among the correct answers are drawn lots for the two art packages. It happens Saturday. 17 and again Sunday. 17.00, and the winners will be notified directly. Both winners will receive an art package, which includes an original work of art and various signed art posters.

The name of the lucky winners will also be available here in the newspaper next week.

WHEN
Saturday 5th November and Sunday 6 November, both days at. 11:00 to 5:00 p.m..  Guided tours on both days at. 15.00, Live music Sunday. 14.00, Bar, informal chat & good art

WHERE
Prague Boulevard 61, 1 floor
2300 Copenhagen S.