Running a gallery that shows work by active local artists isn’t something one does for profit. Still, rent needs to be paid, lights need to stay on and promotional materials need to be distributed. Dana Depew has kept the doors open at Asterisk Gallery for eight years, subsidizing costs with his day job at a chemical factory. “People think it’s going to be fun and cool and awesome to do shows,” he says. “But it’s a lot of work.” It’s paid off: The gallery has never run in the black. And the good karma Depew has accrued in the community is apparent by the list of nearly 100 artists who contribute to his fifth annual Xmas Auction benefit. The list reads like a who’s who of artists working in Cleveland — from established names (like Angelica Pozo, Craig Lucas and Matt Dibble) to people just starting to make an impact (Amy Casey) to subversives like the Sign Guy. Proceeds go toward the gallery’s operating expenses. Plus, there’s music by Pale Hollow and Corn/Monkey Genetic Splice. Bidding is 5-10 tonight and 6-11 p.m. tomorrow at Asterisk Gallery (2393 Professor Ave., 330.304.8528). Admission is free. — Michael Gill
© 2023 Cleveland Scene
