Say goodbye to Mantis

About a month ago, Mantis Collective co-owners, Andrew Guth and Tara Chickey, announced quietly on their website that their small but quirky art space would be closing.

This Friday, Nov. 30, marks the beginning of Mantis' final exhibit, running tomorrow through Dec. 23. A reception from 8-10 p.m. will mark both the opening and perhaps the closing of the gallery.

The decision to close Mantis is actually something that the two owners have been discussing for a year - but for good reason: They had outgrown their space. The two developed personal attachments to the one room gallery, having rehabbed the building with their own hands from the new paint to the installation of hardwood floors. However, it is a rental property, and Guth and Chickey realized they needed the flexibility that ownership provides.

That said, Mantis will reopen this spring in a larger building within the City, though Guth was unable to disclose the location at this time. With more exhibition area, they want to expand the artist pool to create more of a balance between local talent and talent that comes from across the the country, Guth said. Though Mantis has pulled off both installation and performative art exhibits, they want to be able to host larger scale conceptions.

Since 2003, Mantis has brought 47 gallery exhibits, plus a number of installation and performance art experiences. Mantis regularly collaborated with Caleb Smith and Moviate to share experimental and independent film screenings, including the annual Holly Jolly Film Shorts featuring holiday themed movie shorts from yesteryear. You can catch this year's on Friday, Dec. 14 and 21 at 8 p.m. ($5 admission, please).

Mantis has also paired with Ann Stewart of Phase for writing workshops and Emily Rice and other local poets for poetry nights. Even local musicians have called Mantis home from time to time, from the classically trained violinist to the freestyle hip hop artist or underground DJ.

Friday's final exhibit is called "Mix Tape: Mantis 03-07," the title a tribute to the cassette tapes made with favorite songs on them, said Guth. A variety of local artists will be featured, chosen to provide a sampling of what Guth and Chickey saw as the vision of Mantis the last few years and to represent each year of operation so far. Guth also sees the exhibit as a transition in the story of Mantis. "[Mix Tape] also functions sort of like the last scene before intermission," he said. "So that when the curtain comes up next time it will continue in the same vein."

The exhibit will feature paintings, photography and mixed media from the following artists: Andrew Guth, Tara Chickey, Matt Eggsware, Caleb Smith, Kristen Livelsberger, Michael Moppin, Lauren Over, Michael Bricker, Allison Mushalko, Judeth Pekala Hawkins, Jeff Johnson and Jeff Lynch.

An opening reception will be held Fri., Nov. 30 from 8-10 p.m. The exhibit will remain open until Mantis' last day on North Street on Dec. 23.

Guth said he and Chickey are grateful to everyone who has helped Mantis flourish, from the artists to those who purchased original art for their homes, as well as those who came out for every first Friday for the monthly exhibits.

The Mantis Collective - 202 North Street, Harrisburg, 717-236-2131, www.themantiscollective.com. Open Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.