About CRAM
Manifesto | Membership
CRAM was founded in February 2006 and is located in the heart of Niagara on the second floor of 24 James Street in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, between Christopher’s Magazine & Smoke Shop and The Office Tap & Grill. The CRAMplex is home to Canada's smallest art gallery, CRAM Press, and Marinko Jareb's DJ Service, Fine Art & Design Studio & Collectible Designer Toy Shop.
CRAM Gallery showcases a collective of professional artists with ties to St. Catharines and Niagara who advocate regional ideas from outside metro and international centres.
CRAM Press was established as Canada's smallest independent print workshop in 2009 by Co-Directors Tobey C. Anderson and Alan Flint with the installation of Harold Town's old etching press. In Ausust 2010 the CRAM Press was expanded to accommodate an American French Tool etching press and, while no longer Canada's smallest print studio, it remains Niagara's only print facility.
CRAM aims to:
• create a cool scene by presenting contemporary artists and related events in the 8 x 10 ft. gallery, print studio setting, and alternative spaces to support and promote CRAM artists, the production of new art, and investment in original art produced locally.
• avoid, squelch, or oppose the art mainstream, consumerism, fad, fashion, derivative art, and mediocre practices, except when it comes to shameless self-promotion.
• profusely give free opinions about art, life, fashion, food, and politics.
• adhere to critical, candid, and politically incorrect documentation, discourse and dialogue with a sense of humour whenever possible.
• expunge “art speak” and other barriers to understanding and appreciating original contemporary art.
• create a crawl destination and contribute to the growth of art and culture in downtown St. Catharines.
• establish and enjoy national and international recognition points through the <www.cramart.ca> and <www.crampress.com> websites, internet listings and blogs, art and news media.
• network nationally and internationally to bring artists to Niagara for projects that stimulate creative dialogue and the exchange of ideas and provide opportunities for local artists outside the region.
• provide its patrons and membership with deals and discounts.
• maintain a strict, but benevolent dictatorial approach to management of facilities, programs, activities, policies & practices, membership, operations, and profile.
*The Office Tap and Grill caters all CRAM events
Contact: Tobey C. Anderson
Email: cramart
Cel: 905.380.3910
24 James Street, 2nd floor
above Christophers Magazines and The Office Tap & Grill
St. Catharines, Ontario
L2R 5B8
revised 01/09/2010
