Arts & Culture

From Living Room To Local Legend: New Book Traces History of Artlink

89.1 WBOI | By Julia Meek

Published May 6, 2016 at 2:28 PM EDT

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Bruce Linker in his apartment's living room gallery awaiting visitors, 1976

Courtesy/Karen Thompson

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Betty Fishman and Russ Oettel in their Little Gallery, 1966

Courtesy/Karen Thompson

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Linker Gallery, before the transition to Artlink, and move across the street

Courtesy/Karen Thompson

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Exhibit in the new Artlink Gallery, 1026 Broadway

Courtesy/Karen Thompson

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Thompson's new book includes special chapter, "A Tribute to Betty Fishman"

Courtesy/Karen Thompson

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Ian Rolland (2nd from left) former Mayor Graham Richard and photographer Sheldon Hine (seated) enjoying a show at Artlink's 437 East Berry location

Courtesy/Karen Thompson

Artlink's second home at 1030 Broadway, sporting its iconic neon signage.

Artlink Contemporary Gallery maintains a vibrant presence on the Fort Wayne arts scene, and it all began in one art lover's living room, back in the 1970's.

Karen Thompson traces this history in her new book, "Art in the City: An Artist Looks at the Gallery Movement in Fort Wayne: Artlink."

WBOI's Julia Meek met with Thompson to discuss the era, its advocates, and the impact this movement has had.

Thompson's new book is "dedicated to all the artists young and old who keep the enchantment alive."

"Art in the City" is available for purchase at Artlink Contemporary Gallery, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and Crestwoods Gallery in Roanoke

Book Signing Information:

@ Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Wednesday, June 1st, 2016
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

@ Artlink's Members Show
Friday, July 15th, 2016
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Bruce Linker and Betty Fishman will be present at both book signing events.