Opening night
Posted by Rich Colicchio on Jun 17, 2022
On March 6, 1982 51X officially opened it's gallery doors to the public with the inaugural exhibition. The "Opening Night" group show were artists Futura 2000, Dondi, Fab Five Freddy, Kiely Jenkins and myself. Futura was a great help and responsible for putting together the group of artists that participated. I couldn't have done it without him. I remember when Futura said that Fred was going to
join in I was ecstatic! At the time Fab Five Freddy was bigger than life to me, the real deal, a true artist and an ambassador to the arts. He was very influential and partly responsible for putting the uptown and downtown art scenes together. He unquestionably supported 51X and became a good friend over the years. One night we all got together at 51X to talk about the show. Futura suggested it would be cool that instead of their graffiti names to use their real names for the announcement. Dondi, Fred and Kiely thought it was a good idea and agreed. I also did like the concept it was clever. Although, thinking to myself it would be great for the new gallery to receive attention by using their Grafitti names. Right before I had to print the flyer I sheepishly went to talk to Futura. I asked him if would be ok to add his Grafitti name. He kindly said yes, no problem. This is the reason why Futura 2000 in parentheses appears on the invite. On opening night the show looked great, attracted a huge crowd and was a success. I have always been grateful that Futura, Dondi, Fred and Kiely made it all possible helping launch 51X on it's way.
- 51X