To clarify and circle back, Conah didn’t cancel a show he just didn’t commit to my pitch that he should do one. It was the loss of his long time best dog-pal, Gaia, that proved to be the final straw for him on this town and amped up his urgency to find a new scene. But with a delay here, a delay there … a show became a possibility. On September 11th & 12th 2020 we opened that show – the first since COVID closed the studio March 16th.
Truthfully, I was not sure how the opening would fare. With a six month layover the Studio gave back any momentum it had gained to that point. We were also opening on a 2nd Friday whereas traditionally Anchorage’s Art Walks are on a First Friday. Nevertheless, by the evening of the 12th Conah’s entire show had sold out. Gone! I learned a few things and was reminded of a few others from Conah that September weekend. I was REMINDED that being a good person, and a good friend, reciprocates. I swear, just about every person who showed for Conah’s opening knew Conah and knew him well. The love was evident. One of the things I LEARNED from Conah was the power of the individualized invite. It resonates. If you, a friend, personally ask me to show to something that is of importance to you … I will, or at least I’ll have damn good reason what I didn’t.
Over the years I’ve known Conah I’ve watched his craft progress and also change in direction. Given the tone and tenor of our national discourse and discord during the Summer of 2020 I approached Conah about showing his Artivism work. It carried relevance and significance and I could think of no one better suited to offer the Studio’s platform to help amplify theirs.
I was honored to have that opportunity and to call Conah a friend.
CJT—