Artists Anonymous

A Community or Local Artists Promote Inclusivity & Opportunity - ANON

By Natalie Downey

Art is a commentary on the local community, and a reflection of it, with each artist’s voice contributing its own experience and perspective to the whole. Columbus has a growing art scene, and Artists Anonymous is making it their mission to give a more diverse group of artists a chance to be seen and supported as they navigate the art world.

Image by Berkley Martin-Lynn

About five years ago, local artists Sammie Saxon and Berkley Martin-Lynn wanted to see more opportunities for artists in the community, so they decided to take matters into their own hands. The resulting group, known as Artists Anonymous or “Anon” for short, was created to provide a place for underrepresented artists to be seen. Both photographers have navigated the local art world and understand the challenges and hurdles that arise when working to show your work.

“One of those challenges, the founders of the group explained, was a sense that new local artists could not get their work taken seriously without either having deep connections or deep pockets. That needed to change.”

Charles & Rose Helping Set Up at Exposure at the Bo Bartlett Center

“Anon is a collective aimed at networking and collaborative opp ortunities between undiscovered artists and galleries, hosting events and exhibitions, and advocating for local artists of all demographics that don’t get exposure,” Sammie explains. “What started as an anti-establishment movement going against the ‘pay to play’ market in Columbus ended up becoming a group that seeks to foster a new generation of artists while introducing them to industry professionals.”

The artist-friendly collective seeks “to open and broaden the landscape of the art scene in Columbus,” says Anon curator and local artist Charles Fowler. Encouraging an inclusive art community, Anon provides a safe, welcoming space for new and undiscovered artists to put their work out into the community, broaden their reach, and do so without the major risk of having to pay fees to participate in shows or getting turned away altogether.

Julianna Wells - Plane Crash, Oil On Linen

featured at the show Exposure at the Bo Bartlett Center

Anon is unique in that it features undiscovered artists alongside established local artists like Bo Bartlett. “When you put the represented and under-represented artists together, you open more opportunities,” Charles says. “And the more people we have engaging in the arts in Columbus, the better. The more voices we have, the better variety.”

Artists Anonymous participants create all types of art. Shows have included sculpture, paintings, textiles, ceramic artists and more. “Our shows have always been diverse,” Sammie says. “In our exhibit at the Bo Bartlett Center, we had students, and grandmas, who had never had the opportunity to see their work in a professional gallery, next to celebrity artists such as Bo Bartlett, Mike Howard, Gary Pound, and Betsy Eby.”

Cobbled by Nathan Kersey - Oil on Canvas

featured at the show Exposure at the Bo Bartlett Center

Caretaker of St. EOMs visually captivating world of art known as Pasaquan, Charles knows the impact art can have on the community. His own art is heavily influenced by the work of St. EOM, often resulting in abstract, non-objective pieces which incorporate colors, textures, and patterns. “When I create, I try not to think so much and just be a conduit to create subconsciously,” Charles explains.

With an understanding of the irreplaceable role local art plays in the community, Charles enjoys reaching out to local artists to invite them to participate in Artists Anonymous. “Some folks don’t really have an online presence,” Charles says, “And I’m always interested in those artists. Sometimes I’ll see someone’s work and think, ‘Aw man, I’d love to see them in a gallery’.” His support for fellow artists and appreciation of their work shape his role in Anon. “Visual artists are crafting worlds,” Charles says.

Human Nature By Rose Cline

from the show Exposure at the Bo Bartlett Center

Last year, Anon showcased the work of its featured artists in The Rankin Gallery and the Bo Bartlett Center at two separate shows. Anon members were honored to have the support of such established galleries and look forward to hosting more shows this year. Saxon hints that three more shows are in the works for this year. Additional visions for the future include a shared space for Artists Anonymous members to meet, educate, and work. Anon also hopes to help its members venture outside of Columbus by giving them similar opportunities in other cities. “I really want us to get members into shows and galleries in Atlanta, New York, to give more exposure,” says Sammie. Charles is in agreement. “Who says Columbus artists can’t talk to Atlanta artists? That’s how you grow and expand,” he says.

Ultimately, Anon exists to see its members broaden their reach, gain exposure, collaborate with other artists, and to offer these opportunities without exclusivity.

To learn more about Anon and participating artists, as well as to get the latest news about upcoming shows, check out the Artists Anonymous Instagram profile @anonartistgroup.