The V.I. is proud of its reputation as Seattle’s first art bar
The V.I.’s 1981 grand opening featured a group exhibition of rising stars in Seattle’s art world, curated by Rolon Bert Garner, a multi-talented artist in his own right. Garner was the founder of the happening “and/or gallery” in the 1960’s and founder of the Artech art-handling company in the 1970’s. The V.I. has shown over 300 different artists since that time, and along with Garner’s exhibitions at the Two Bells Tavern, started a tradition which has become a part of Seattle history.
When the expanded V.I. re-opened in 2008, Garner curated a group show entitled “Old Faces/New Spaces,” which featured the work of some 30 artists who were important in establishing this tradition.
For art inquiries, please contact us.
