Brett and Lauren Andrus, owners of The Modbo, are delighted to announce their newest business venture, SPQR. Named for the motto of the ancient Roman Republic, SPQR will be a multi-functional arts space located in the building adjacent to The Modbo in the Arts Alley District.
Since opening The Modbo in June of 2009, Brett and Lauren have seen eager crowds of art buyers, music listeners, and poetry readers. Art classes, taught by Brett, have also been incredibly popular, filling the small space with easels and canvases. SPQR will allow the Andruses to expand their offerings, with art classes running concomitantly in both spaces, as well as exhibits and musical events.
“We really appreciate this opportunity,” says Lauren Andrus. “The landlords and building manager of the Saks Building have been so kind and receptive to what we want to provide for the arts community.” Brett agrees. “With this expansion,” he says, “we’re able to really focus on our mission of bringing high-quality arts to the community. We’ll have additional space to teach out of and a larger variety of everything that we offer.”
A new round of classes will begin in both spaces in January, with new teachers from The Modbo Collective and a variety of subject offerings such as Figure Drawing, Introduction to Oil Painting, and more. Information is available at themodbo@gmail.com
SPQR is located in the former Rubbish Gallery, at 17B East Bijou. Brett and Lauren would especially like to acknowledge those who spent so much time and energy to make Rubbish a great arts space, including Lorelei Beckstrom, Caitlin Goebel, Carlita Trujillo, and Josh Kennard. Without their tireless efforts, the Arts Alley District would not be what it is today.
Although openings will continue at The Modbo, look for the grand opening of SPQR on Friday, December 10th. The Modbo’s famed Small Works Show will open in both spaces on that evening at 5:30, for the Biggest Small Works Show Ever. Just in time for the holidays, you can shop for art in two buildings packed to the gills with works under 24 inches. Additionally, there will be live musical entertainment that evening by hip-hop group Pirate Signal, local indie rocker favorites HEADHUM, and the usual Modbo-esque dash of classical. It will be a musical mash-up not to be missed!
Brett and Lauren would like to thank the arts community for their support; without our fans and supporters, this expansion would not have been possible. Here’s to keeping the Arts Alley District alive and well!