The Cartoon Fund

Hi everybody!~ My name is Gilbert Giles, and I'm asking today for contributions to The Cartoon Gallery, which is a project I have developed over the past couple of years, initially as a independent curator of graphic art commentary in and around Jersey City, and now as a gallerist and director on my own. In January I secured a space in Asbury Park, NJ- a lovely beach town with a very vibrant and expanding arts community, contacted and gained commitments from many outstanding artists, sold a few works of my own, and signed the lease...

My idea is to create a space where artists of any stripe (cartoon, illustrative, abstraction, any and all are welcome) may show original works (and price them accordingly) but also be able to offer prints or reproductions at extremely reasonable prices right in the shop. I want artworks to circulate throughout communities and neighborhoods, and to create new viewers and collectors among folks who may not (yet) see themselves as such. I want this space to function as a fine art delicatessen- a place where anyone can enter and encounter exciting art, be surprised and delighted with the quality, selection, and affordability-
and can exit with something beautiful, and with the same ease and regularity that one shops at grocery store.  My feeling is that art galleries have become somewhat remote and inaccessible to the lives of everyday people, and that galleries must find a way to develop new viewers, new markets, and connect again with individuals, not only higher-end collectors, corporations, institutions, and the like. Many galleries have but one way for a visitor to purchase a work, but I want to try a broader, more inclusive approach.  I envision a scenario wherein an original image can be on the wall for display and sale, and also available as a print, a poster, or on a T-shirt or other item.  A catalogue of images displayed in the space will be maintained, and in this way individual works may be offered for sale throughout exhibit and afterward, always in various formats, and on an ongoing basis. There would be a 2/3 (artist) 1/3 (gallery) split on sales of original works, and a 50/50 split of reproduced works generated and sold by the gallery. Artists will never be asked to pay money in exchange for an exhibit or to display individual works. 

I also plan to make use of the room for performance, film and animation screenings, and other events. The space can also be rented for one-time private use if desired. Additionally, I want to create a "cafe" type atmosphere where visitors may linger at table and make use of various amenities (internet, coffee, tea, etc) in exchange for "menu" purchases price-scaled accordingly. You get it? You can hang out, use a laptop, drink a coffee, stay for an hour, and the bill you get says you gotta spend say, six bucks or so. You can choose from a menu of art items with different pricing depending on the time spent at table.  

I need to match the amount I have put in thus far, and the money raised here will be used primarily to pay rent through the summer and fall, which will allow me to now focus exclusively on the creative and begin mounting exhibits. Monies will also be used to help pay for utilities, as well as gallery essentials such as focus lighting, new computer/printer, furniture, storage, etc.  I have designated a two-month period to reach my goal, from June 24 to August 24, and I ask for your consideration.

While I can never guarantee a sale, I can guarantee a new opportunity for sales, a fun and dynamic place to visit, my everlasting gratitude to each of you, and at least one helluva summertime throwdown party for all of us.

What more can I say? It's something I've always wanted to do, and now is the time for support. I have come to know so many amazing artists over the last few years, and almost all of them are at a remove from the prevailing curatorial/ gallery system. There is no shortage of interesting and valuable art, but there is a system in place that discourages change, accessibility, and joy. I want to do something about this, and with your help we can do it together. 

THANK YOU for reading this! Hope to see you soon and to thank you personally!

Gilbert Giles


The Cartoon Gallery
714 Bangs Avenue
Asbury Park, New Jersey
07712