Curated by Lena Imamura, Jason Wall and Mikhail Sokovikov

In celebration of its two-year anniversary The Canal Chapter Artist Residency Project is an undertaking that inaugurates the principal philosophies of the gallery. Founded on a desire to create a fertile environment in which emerging artists can make and exhibit work in a space free from the limitations of finance, commerce, location, noise, exposure, and judgment. The Canal Chapter is inspired by and expands upon the groundbreaking alternative art spaces (particularly those located in the Soho area) that dominated the New York art scene during the late1960s through 1980s.

On August 1st, an exhibition to unfold over the course of a month-long artist residency will kick off at The Canal Chapter. Using the SoHo/Tribeca neighborhoods as a backdrop, the project initiates the first in an annual series of all-inclusive residencies, which present the living artists for real-time interaction with the public. The first installment of the residency project, will cultivate constituent parts of the art production process into a living display.

From August 3rd until September 7th, 2007, the 10 emerging international and domestic artists chosen to participate in the Canal Chapter 2007 Artist Residency Project will be fully accessible to the public in their workspaces and living quarters. Each artist will live at The Canal Chapter, a 2000 sq.ft loft located at 343 Canal Street, 4th Floor. They will work a few blocks away at the Franklin Collective in a 2000 sq. ft loft located at 72 Franklin Street. Constant live internet feeds of both spaces will be available for viewing at the gallery’s website at http://canalchapternyc.com and both locations will be open to the public 24/7. Throughout the duration of the project, each artist will take part in weekly critiques, daily visiting artists, communal living, and weekly parties. The Residency will kick off with a welcoming reception on Friday, August 3rd from 6 pm – 10pm, and conclude with a closing exhibition on Friday, September 7th from 6pm-10pm. All events and visitations are free and open to the public.

Applications for this year’s residency program were submitted from Germany, Netherlands, Australia, Korea, Ireland, Greece, Canada, Israel and The United States. Featured artists in The 2007 Canal Chapter Artist Residency Program include Hilla Ben Ari, Raina Benoit, Collin Bunting, Rachel Bunting, Soo-Whan Choi, Charlotte Ginsborg, Aaron Joseph Hughes, Kymia Nawabi, Katherine Elizabeth St. Clair and George Venson

Proposed projects include documentary videos, mythic sculptures, installation/performance art, found object relief, suburban paintings, blueprint drawings, political prints, peace callings, graphic collages, and meditative light projects.

Opening and closing ceremonies include performances by – Team Facelift, The Countess and The Cunt Rock Revolution, DJ SKATERDAYS, Patrick Cleandenim , The Living Image, Lights and Todosantos.