Pierre Menard Gallery

I found this gallery here on Unilocal.I saw the advertisement for Heide Hatry’s Head and Tales opening. Heide Hatry sculpted busts of women created out of a variety of pig parts (eyes, skin, etc) and then photographed them. Each portrait was accompanied by a detailed narrative. I thought it sounded wacky enough to be right up my alley. I went unsure of what to expect which was a good thing. The pictures were very intriguing but I certainly did not anticipate a sculpture to be present. Even as I worked hard not to stare directly at it, you could feel its presence. It was an unusual experience which is always good for the soul.

The Pierre Menard gallery is a hidden gem amongst the Boston art gallery scene. They offer a constantly changing display to consistently tantalize your eyes and brain. Did you know E.E. Cummings paints? Stop by this months display entitled «A Writer’s Brush» and you can see works by Cummings and other notable literary minds. Last year they had a display featuring the work of Carolee Schneemann, an influential figure of the 60’s with some fairly off the wall art. Of course, one of the best things about the Pierre Menard gallery is that it often sponsors special events… everything from poetry readings to live concerts (many with free booze)…so it pays to stop by the shop and see what events they have planned. When you do stop by, stick your head in the small office and ask for the grand tour! You might also visit the small book store right next door, overflowing with rare books from notable libraries.

Despite the amount of museums I’ve been to and the amount of art I’ve seen all over, I don’t really know what a standard gallery should be like. So the casual observer Dish is going to just make some comments and then hopefully some art snob will tell me what’s what. Or not. Hopefully not, actually.
This place is kinda hidden. Most of Arrow Street businesses are if you ask me. They do have a swing sign hanging above the door, but nothing imprinted on the building. I came here for «The Writers’ Brush», an exhibit about writers’ art work. I thought the gallery was fitting for an exhibit like this since it was more of a drop in affair. I don’t see this place holding a huge opening or anything because it might get claustrophobic. The gallery has two floors. First floor has a main room and an addition of sorts to the side that’s about ¾ the main room’s size. The stairs are a bit narrow and we had to wait for people to come up before going downstairs. I mean I guess we could have squeezed past them. but meh, who rushes around while looking at art.
The downstairs is unpaved. Street cred? It’s about the same size as the upstairs main room and it opens up to a walkway that leads to Lame Duck Books. This seemed kinda weird because the walkway to Lame Duck looked like a storage area for both businesses, so you’re not quite sure if you’re supposed to go through (you are allowed btw).
I didn’t see anyone watching the gallery, but there was a table with the book, «The Writers’ Brush» for sale so I assume there must have been someone lurking somewhere. The space is also open for rental. I think it’d be cool for a small party, depending on the restrictions. I’d definitely come back assuming all shows are free. I’m a bit swayed in rating because of the exhibits.