Bare Hands Gallery

It ain’t exactly closed anymore. Its a non profit now. I was told that the venue was just not profitable as a profit so now it can be rented out. Hell, I really don’t know what the hell because I was drinking tequila during this conversation so this review of a once for profit but now non profit art studio that has not been sold or closed but yet opens for the Day of the Dead festival one day per year, blah, bleh, blibbity bleh. yadda yadda.drone. Holy Shit Birmingham peeps! This is more damn confusing than a goverment website! Is it closed or open? Seems simple.well.
I was there so I am going to say its OPEN. But if I came back in a week, it would be closed. Insane Artist People! I love ya but answer the question! Day of the Dead Festival was an unexpected treat. Good food. Good music. A band from Austin, TX and beautiful altars set up to commemorate the dead lost loved ones in true fashion of the holiday. Fires burning in chimineas, colorful lights, friendly people, murals, activities, face painting, beers to drink, food trucks serving. If I didn’t know better I would have thought I was in Austin! Weird!
The Dia de los Muertos altars are all beautiful too. Each person who passed away represented a universe contained within the beings that they were. the altars had items that they had enjoyed in life, photos, paintings, letters, favorite coffee cups from which they drank only to mention a few. The vigillette candles are glowing and lighting up the way that was each life which was lost.
I just popped into town and did not have the chance to set up an altar, but I did light my own candle and set it in a special place to commemorate those who I have lost. The red glowing sparks from the open bonfires there went into the night sky and burned out into infinity much like the lives that were being commemorated.
So long momma. You are remembered and loved. A candle here burns for you this night as well. Thank you for being such a wonderful mother. I miss you now and everyday of my life. I will think of you. Maybe now from where you are you see things with new eyes and vision and I hope you understand me more now than ever and that it gives you peace. I am well. Your grandson is well. I hope you see us now whenever you want and the distance no longer confines you. I love you now and always.

Unfortunately, Bare Hands has closed.

Lovely space. Apparently they have openings about once a month.