Carol and Dave Clark will build a micro gallery (identical to the ones shown here) for anyone who asks, though there are a few catches.
One, it needs to be either in Long Beach or relatively close to Long Beach.
Two, they do charge for materials, which is rounded up to $450 – installed in the ground as you see in the images. They do not do this as a business nor as a side-gig. Not wanting one, don’t need one… all they ask is for you to cover the costs of materials – they can provide a detailed list of what the materials cost if you question the $450. They accept Venmo, Zelle, and PayPal.
Three, they won’t curate your gallery. While they curate Galleries 17 and 23, any gallery they build for someone is theirs to curate as they choose. They are more than happy to send artist inquiries your way (they are booked here in their two galleries 6-7 months out) as well as advice on how to curate and/or get artists, but it is yours to do as you want.
Four, they do not ship, have kits, or plans. They do have images and notes regarding constructing one, so there is that.
Five, they don’t build custom galleries nor do they make them bigger or whatever. What you see here is what they build. Colors of the box are either white or black, though they can spray paint it whatever color one can source from the local hardware store – but really you need to choose the color. Inside walls are typically white – these are removable to allow for easy hanging and any needed repairs. Numbers and the roof can be whatever color you want as long as it comes in a spray can as noted above (the numbers come in black and some choose to let the roof rust). Oh, as to numbers… it is typically the summation of your address’s digits unless a specific number is requested or the number has already been used. Then you will need to figure something else out.
Six, they suggest going with a low voltage light which is included in the price (light, transformer, and wire are included in the $450). The light they use allows for changing the white temp as well as having various color options. But a simple pond light is offered as well. This only has one setting that is warmer than cooler – it is a light. It is what they use in 17 and it works fine. Regardless which light you go with, you will need an exterior outlet for the transformer. Low voltage is like the “Malibu-type” lights people have in their yards – 12v pathway, spots, etc. Going this route is basically “set and go”. That is it comes on at dusk and off when you choose – 2, 4, 8 hours or you can set it for dusk to dawn. Or you can turn it off and on as you want. You can also go solar/battery (an available option), but it is cheap and over time can become problematic, plus you need to use a remote to turn it on and off. Your choice. But more of a PITA which is why we don’t suggest it anymore.
Seven, it needs to sit on your property.
Eight, they can’t warranty the galleries, but they do build them to a very high quality. Galleries 17 and 23 have been here for well over two years. They have survived storms, wind, heat, sun, cold… and show no signs of warping, leaking, or whatever. Of course nothing lasts forever, but so far so good. Oh, while any art inside is not theft-proof, they do make them reasonably secure.
