This Week in Artist Ally: From the Forest to the Fair

🌿 What Happened

On Monday, 29 September, our co-founder and artist mentor Xav guided the opening workshop for the Sottobosco Arts Residency in Cabrils.

The session was designed to help resident artists begin their week by slowing down, reconnecting with themselves, and attuning to their peers and the natural surroundings.

From grounding Tai Chi walks to reflective mapping activities, the workshop was all about cultivating curiosity and awareness: within, with others, and with the ecosystem of the residency.

The results were beautiful to witness! Check below some images from the day so you can glimpse the process. (Aren’t they adorable?)

🎤 What’s Next — Meet Us at SWAB!

This Friday, 3 October, we’ll be at SWAB Art Fair together with our allies Casa Espacio and 200 Cent.

📍 Find us at Abbozzo Gallery Booth 12 (our official home base — since our co-founder, Blake, is Abbozzo’s Gallery Manager).

We’ll also be part of SWAB Radio at 19:00, sharing what Artist Ally is building and why immigrant and international perspectives matter for Barcelona’s art ecosystem and how we strengthen it as a support network together with our allies.

If you’re visiting SWAB, come by and say hello. We’d love to meet you in person!

Coming Soon — Our First Art Quest!

We’re thrilled to announce “A Tribe Called Art Quest” — Artist Ally’s first scavenger hunt!

📅 Saturday, 11 October
⏰ 14:30 – 18:00 (doors open at 14:00, drinks after at Noa Noa Café)
🎟️ Free — Secure your spot here on Eventbrite
📍 Neighbourhoods: Sant Antoni & Raval

Join us for an interactive afternoon exploring some of our closest allies:

• Casa Espacio → with Juan P. and Violeto, a tour of their current exhibition and a conversation on supporting experimental, international practices.

• 200Cent → with co-founder Kirra, a look into their community-driven gallery and how they uplift emerging artists.

• PrintHouse BCN → with Alan, a peek into high-quality printing and production, plus why so many artists trust their services.

Along the way, you’ll also learn about the exclusive subscriber perks our allies offer — from discounts on printing at PrintHouse, to priority access to exhibitions and community connections at the galleries.

The day will close with drinks at Noa Noa Café, a culture-forward bar and meeting spot for artists in the city. 🍸

This is your chance to explore the Barcelona art scene, meet peers, and connect with the off-studio ecosystem that fuels creative careers.

Our circle is growing — from residencies in the woods to the art fair floor and now into the streets of Barcelona.

If you haven’t yet, subscribe and stay connected. All of this is free to join, and it ensures you don’t miss upcoming opportunities, perks, and gatherings.

With care,
Xav & Blake 💜