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Artist Tracy Olson a.k.a. T.Young has been proving her artistic chops in the Lowertown Art District since ye olde 2008. An artist whose work is one part abstract and one part tangible, the colorful infusions and urban landscapes she creates are a representation of a contemporary artist living in the city. Stop into Tracy’s studio in the Jax Building (studio 204) during the St. Paul Art Crawl, happening this weekend, April 29th-May 1st and get an eyeful!

We caught up with Tracy this week to talk about her art, Lowertown, and more…

How long have you been working in Lowertown and why were you drawn to the area initially?

In February 2008 I saw an ad for studio space for rent at the JAX Building. The minute that I walked into studio 204 I fell in love with the space. At that time I was one of four other artists there. I actually use the space as a gallery I have an in-home studio that I work from. I now share 204 with Tom Dunn a local photographer that I’ve known for many years. We both participate in Art Crawl and the ongoing monthly event Lowertown First Friday. The draw to Lowertown is a magic one for me. When I walk around Lowertown, I get the feeling of a close community. I feel really at home when I’m there.

How would you describe your work? What is your creative process?

My work is abstract in form using color as my texture and expression. I am generally inspired by the things I see and hear in my daily life. Music is also a very important part of my art process as I believe both create an atmosphere for me to express my thoughts from my minds eye to paper or canvas. I most often title much of my art after tidbits of conversation that I may have heard or a line in a song that strikes a particular chord (pardon the pun) with me.

What do you have lined up for the Art Crawl? What can people expect to see at your studio?

Well I like to entertain so this is my shining moment for that. Visitors will see a lot of art – I hang salon style so it’s pretty much a floor to ceiling explosion of color and movement. I have some new work that I am really excited about. There is paper, ink, oil pastel, acrylic paint and beeswax involved. Tom Dunn will be exhibiting new images from his Saint Paul collection. We also have a really fabulous musician that will be performing on Friday night for our opening reception. Chris Schuette who is a local piano player, composer and overall really funny and nice guy! It’s pretty rare these days that he performs past the doors of his studio so we are excited and honored that he’ll be entertaining us on Friday evening.

What other artists or events are you excited about this art crawl?

Unfortunately I won’t get a chance to get past the JAX doors this whole weekend (except to go home and sleep : ) to see other artists or events. I do plan to take some time to visit many of the JAX Building artists though. I am REALLY excited about this as this is a rare opportunity to get to say hi and chat with fellow artists. I am also looking forward to hang out an browse through the art of Malcolm Myers in Studio 304. Mr. Myers was a Professor of Studio Art at the U of M. He passed away in 2002. Only two times a year is his space at the JAX open, and that’s for spring and fall Art Crawl. I love to look at his work that spans about 60 years. And the best thing is they are for sale, one day I will own a piece of his art. The JAX also has some several new artists that I’m really excited to meet. There are five floors and 19 plus artists that will have their studios open at the JAX for the spring Art Crawl.

How do you see the area evolving over the next few years?

That’s a tough question – I see the area evolving and that’s pretty prevalent with the Light Rail construction and that excites me. As to the direction, I believe that the Lowertown area will continue to be an important hub for the arts community. As with anything, growth produces a change and sometimes change can be awkward and uncomfortable, that’s because there is an element of the unknown. I believe in going with the flow and I think the flow will be awesome!

For more info on the Saint Paul Art Crawl, running April 29th-May 1st, visit www.stpaulartcrawl.com.

For more info on Tracy Olson’s art visit www.tyoung.info.