FIX THE SHADOWS

“Fix The Shadows” art opening & silent auction

6 pm Fri, Dec 21, free admission

Good things happen in garages, particularly when there aren’t any cars in them. Without the presence of an auto to look after, garages tend to get creative. They become workshops, practice spaces, and studios. And in this case, a darkroom.

Artist and surfer Warren Smith meandered into Maine this fall looking to chill out, surf a bit, and take some photos. So he and Maine-based photographer Nick LaVecchia decided to convert an empty garage into a darkroom. The photographic results of that car shed-turned-photo-lab are on display Friday during the “Fix The Shadows” opening at Portland Company Complex.

Organizers describe “Fix The Shadows” as an “eerie and unfiltered living documentary project and traveling exhibit showcasing both the aesthetic and process of a handful of fellow artists, surfers, and photographers sharing ideas and cameras, cold empty waves.” And after Portland, the exhibit will venture on to LA (Los Angeles, not Lewiston/Auburn) and Australia.

But not before a little party here, first.

Friday’s opening includes an artists reception and live auction of select prints. Proceeds go to Waves4Water.org, an organization that helps to bring clean water to communites around the world. That currently includes cities and towns not too far from us that were affected by Super Storm Sandy.

In addition to the art on display, there will be live music and free beer from Oxbow. Doors open at 6 pm.

FMI: “Fix The Shadows” on Facebook

• Portland Company Complex 58 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101 www.facebook.com Get Directions