We are in the Nave Gallery in
Teele Square, where the artist statement for this show "Physical
Digital" (which has since passed) talks about how data, meta-data,
information, references, keys, passwords, hyperlinks, applets, status
bars, transactions, and other digital ephemera can provide a bona fide
relief but "is often an annoying companion that we are forced to live
with daily."

This volunteer-run gallery that prides itself on
welcoming art expression of all genres and to all sorts of artists-new
and veteran-as part of a community enterprise often features unique
approaches as this. And to commemorate its existence for the past five
years, the Nave will host an anniversary party on October 15 from 7 to
10 p.m. at the gallery at 155 Powderhouse Boulevard. Read more details
at the conclusion of this article.

"This is all about community
enforcing community," said Karl Gustafson, the church's pastor and Nave
Gallery co-founder. "We try to do group shows to bring new people to a
different space and to encourage that kind of energy."

The gallery, which is a project of ArtsSomerville, also offers independent music performances in the church's sanctuary.

Because
the Nave enjoys a minimal rent, the gallery can focus on the more
conceptual and unique work that makes people think about art, rather
than buying art, said Susan Berstler, the director of ArtsSomerville.
The Nave strives to hold themed shows for a common idea. The Nave also
puts out larger group shows because the space is so large. It's ideal
for video work and installations since there's ample floor space. Video
projectors are used when possible.

The gallery committee comes
up with ideas, such as the show that Gustafson is curating (Oct. 24 to
Nov 22), "Geomorphics: Changing art for a Changing Landscape."
Sometimes the committee invites proposals from guest curators who come
up with an idea.

The Nave has featured a great range of
exhibits. Over 400 artists have shown there, spanning more than 50
shows. It was solely a local effort at first, but now artists from all
over the world have submitted their work.

"It's pretty amazing,
considering we are volunteer run," Berstler said. "It's definitely a
labor of love. We have incredible people who support us with their time
and energy."

Right next to the gallery is the sanctuary, where
the Nave performances occur. Over 33 shows, that unsurprisingly are
diverse-ranging from acoustic, to jazz and avant gard-were booked in
2008, said Randy Winchester, a committee member in charge of the Nave's
music program.

"There's a huge mix of musicians just within a
five-mile radius of the Nave," said Winchester, also a musician who
plays metal rods and cymbals.

It's important to support these
musicians and have music in the community, he said. "A lot of musicians
may not want to play in a big concert hall, bar or club."

As a
fun idea, Winchester decided to record the concerts and put them
online. He just uploaded show number 67 on the jamendo music site at
http://www.jamendo.com/em/artist/artsomerville. This takes the shows to
an international level as jamendo is the number one music site,
Winchester said. It's free and offers great exposure. The Nave's shows
are in the top 100 downloads.

It all started back in the summer
of 2003, shortly after Gustafson became the pastor of the church. The
congregation that used the white, rectangular room decided to vacate.
Gustafson, an artist himself, thought it would be an ideal space for an
art gallery. The room was in bad shape; the ceiling falling in, so
Gustafson had to renovate the entire space.

Some folks from the
community, like Somerville Arts Council Director Greg Jenkins and
Berstler also joined the effort to create the Nave. By May of 2004, the
Nave opened its doors for its first show.

"For the visual arts,
there were few places for people to show their work in a non-commercial
gallery setting," Gustafson said. "It's a perfect space."

It was
also a personal dream for Gustafson, who creates sculpture in his
studio in his free time, to open up a gallery. Spirituality and art
goes back thousands of years, until the two broke apart in the 18th
century when art became more about personal expression, he added.

"So it's interesting to bring the two together," he said.

However,
the Nave is nonsecular and not affiliated with the church, but is more
a partnership with the city of Somerville. Visit
http://www.artsomerville.org/nave/about.html to read more about the
Nave and some upcoming shows.

Since the Nave is celebrating its
five year anniversary this year, volunteers are using this opportunity
to reach out to the community, said Tori Costa, a volunteer in charge
of organizing this event. There will be a silent auction, with work
donated primarily from Nave artists. There will be a special raffle for
a tin lunch box made by Skunk, a local artist who creates metal
sculpture.

Music, food and a cash bar will also be happening.
Costa is still looking for sponsors from the community. Anyone
interested can contact her at 617-259-8386.