Greg Kelly is the Executive Director of The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative, a non-profit arts organization based in Charlottesville, Virginia that aims to foster community through the arts. Greg is one of the nicest people I know and one of the main reasons why I’m a graphic designer; I interviewed him recently about The Bridge and its philosophies.

What is the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative?

The Bridge is a small scale non-profit arts organization located in central Virginia (Charlottesville to be exact). The organization provides space and resources to working artists (predominantly local and emerging) while working to bring together diverse communities of people through the creative process.

Artist Thomas Dean stands outside of The Bridge in front of a mural he completed with Allyson Mellberg Taylor and Jeremy Taylor

The Bridge is one of those rare spaces where you can have outreach events such as the Westhaven After School Program going on while exhibits by David Ellis and Jason Polan are up. What do you think the key is to being able to bring all aspects of the community together?

Good question. Well.. I’d say it certainly helps to be open to possibility. In fact to cultivate an environment which perpetuates and encourages it. Second – would be relationships.  Build them – explore them -  utilize them to open up dialogue, exchange, interaction. I think at heart there are a few common denominators in all of us. We’re each looking for acceptance, affirmation, a place to belong. This is fundamental to the spirit what we’re up to. Doing our best to encourage people – to affirm their ideas – make them feel welcome, accepted, empowered – give them ownership, access, let them drive and then see what unfolds. On a more practical and strategic level – we’re constantly working to expand the network – beyond the arts – beyond simply being a gallery or another art space. It seems we are aiming for more of a laboratory environment.

The interior of The Bridge during a show curated by Colin L of USAISAMONSTER

What are some of your favorite events that have been held at The Bridge?

There have been so many. A couple exhibitions and receptions for outreach projects stand out. There were a lot of family members, students, community leaders, artists, and regulars all milling about – talking – eating home cooked food – sharing the room – laughter – celebration – recognition – good old fashioned community building at work.

Others would include We People– an early large scale collaborative project. We People involved a number of artists including David Ellis, Joey Garfield and others. The project stands out because it informed so much of what we came to focus on – collaboration, exchange, direct involvement in the creative process. It really pushed everyone who participated to step outside their comfort zone – to interact with people they might not ordinarily come in contact with.

I’d also have to include the moments – both in and outside of events – where I’ve experienced some bit of magic. Moments where you fall completely into a film – a conversation – a room full of people. It’s often subtle, difficult to measure and most everyone whose a regular has experienced it.

"Talk" a part of the Pigeon Studies by Greg Kelly

You do some pretty amazing artwork yourself, are there any updates on Pigeon, the book you plan on releasing?

The book is done – packaging is the next step. Of course – I had to complicate matters by creating a book which is actually a deck (of cards).  We’re working on how to divide up the 70 some odd cards into smaller sets – potentially 4 volumes total – giving the ‘reader’ a more concentrated dose in each ‘reading’. It’s a bit of a never-ending story (the process that is). The fact is – I’m a technical ding bat – and I rely heavily on the support and skill sets of friends in completing these types of projects.

Of late I’ve become pretty immersed in the medium of sound. I’m working on a series of pieces exploring the themes of death and dying. Piecing together excerpts from interviews, field recordings and bits of audio ephemera.

What are some upcoming events at The Bridge that you are excited about?

At this stage of the game – I’d have to say I’m most excited by what’s unfolding behind the scenes. We’re transitioning into a full blown non profit organization. Up to now we’ve been under the umbrella of another organization. I’m fascinated – and mildly terrified – to see if we can survive the birth of a board and all that it will bring.

Hoping we’ll be able to maintain the spirit – the spontaneity – the delicate balance of punk and professionalism (not that they’re necessarily mutually exclusive).

You can find out more about The Bridge at thebridgepai.com, see more of Greg’s work at gregantrimkelly.com and purchase it at Original Multiples.