Defined as “something that lasts for a very short time,” the word ephemeral could describe most gallery or museum shows. But the newin East Dallas builds on this idea — with a twist. Co-founded by architect William Baker and antiques dealer Jason Cohen, the gallery was created to offer a temporary home for a wider range of creators who might not fit in more traditional environs.
“We’ve known each other from the vintage world a long time,” Baker says. “I came up with the logo and the name, and he had the idea of making the capital E to look like an eye chart. We’re splitting the rent, and he’s doing a lot of stuff, too, so it’s this divide and conquer .” Ephemeral, which opened in June, launched with a collection of work best described as eclectic. Cohen brought theatrical masks by Erdix Winslow Capen, a collection of antique washboards, circus banners by “the Michelangelo of sideshow art” Magwire, African sculpture and assemblages by Andy Don Emmons.Ephemeral is not a traditional gallery, starting with its cool history.With prices starting at just $100 and going up to $3,500, there’s a little something for every budget and aesthetic.
Baker envisions it as ultimately evolving into a mix of retail space below with loft apartments on the second floor anchored by Ephemeral.