On Oct. 28, the walls of Atomic Rooster may be ruffling a few feathers when rooster-inspired artwork replaces the current wall hangings – Dmitri Moisseev’s fashion photography exhibit.
Local residents will have the chance to showcase and sell their artwork for five weeks during Atomic Rooster’s fourth annual Cock Show, as long as their piece depicts a rooster and can be hung on the Bank Street restaurant’s walls.
All submissions must be originals and will be accepted from Oct. 16-27.
Alison Kakish, founder of the Cock Show, says many Ottawa artists actually have a difficult time establishing themselves in the city’s galleries because most have guidelines limiting how many local artworks can be housed at one time.
“So places like restaurants are great for people to display their artwork and just be a part of the community,” she says.
Shelley Braun, artistic director of the show, says it took on a “life of its own” this year and had people asking about it even before details were announced.
“There is so little space in Ottawa for people to show, that as soon as people find out that we might be willing to put their art on the wall, they come here,” Braun says.
Kakish, who only started making art about a year after Atomic Rooster opened, says a tribute to the rooster was an “instant idea” and a way to contribute to the bar’s identity.
“It was my first idea and everybody loved it and it’s just kept on going,” she adds.
People can vote for their favourite artwork on Facebook in the days leading up to the show or at Atomic Rooster’s artist meet and greet on Nov. 6.
The winner gets the right to be “cocky” and will have their image featured on Atomic Rooster coasters for a year.
Unlike past shows, the winner will also receive a $200 gift certificate to splurge at Wallack’s Art Supplies.
The Atomic Rooster is one of many restaurants in the city, including Irene’s Pub in the Glebe and Shanghai Restaurant at Somerset Street and Bronson Avenue, that are involved in hosting frequent art shows.
“It’s great to be able to help local artists,” says Mabe Kwan, Shanghai Restaurant’s manager. She agreed that putting up local artwork and changing it regularly is a trend amongst Ottawa restaurants and stores.
“People know that we change our artwork every month, so they look forward to seeing what’s next,” Kwan says.
Kakish says there have been instances where she’s received negative comments about one of her art shows before, such as “it interrupted their brunch experience,” but never about the Cock Show. “People really like the art.”
Braun also says she believes the art adds to the restaurant’s atmosphere and couldn’t imagine not having it.
Kakish pulls a small square picture frame out of her bag; inside the frame is a black and red Ukrainian style Easter egg, with a gold outline of a rooster on it.
It is a piece from the first-ever Cock Show. Organizers are hoping to double the show’s average submission total of about 50 pieces.
“If we could have 100, that would be great . . . I’m not hanging them this year.”