IN THE PAINT: A CELEBRATION OF ART AND BASKETBALL

"Money Ball" by Berry Villegas

Pride is sweeping the streets of this city, and the Bean community has progressively come together as a singular, solid entity: One Boston. So when an art exhibition rolls into town, fusing together two of the most timeless icons in our metropolitan culture, it is no wonder that the show should sell out on its opening night.

Cleveland-based basketball and art blog Double Scribble is bringing In the Paint: A Celebration of Art and Basketball right to our neighborhood court, and inviting us to join.

The show, a multimedia exposition bonding two seemingly separate interests, is settling right into its Boston (well, Cambridge) home: what curator Anna Schindelar deems the unofficial living room of Kendall Square, Voltage Coffee and Art.

In the Paint is a compilation of works from contributors nationwide, unified by one shared passion. Co-founder Nicholas Kastner of Double Scribble shaped the idea, realizing that a line could literally be drawn between the realms of art and sports.

“That whole world was already there,” he said. “I just wanted to create some sort of juncture for everyone to meet and get to know each other.”

Voltage provides that opportunity. “We are a place that tries to foster a community,” Schindelar explains, “It’s more accessible in terms of the locale and good vibes that people walk through, to just experience art in a non-threatening way.”

Mural done by Aaron Dana

You don’t have to be an art-head or hoops nerd, either. PR director Crystal Germond confirmed, “It’s important to build community, it’s important to bring people together, across different passions who might not be able to connect otherwise.

Strengthening that community now seems more important than ever. And that’s kind of what the show has always been about.”

At the opening reception on April 19, the suggested $5 donation went to Massachusetts charity Shooting Touch, which provides basketball training and education to underprivileged youth. Proceeds collected at the reception and arts sales now through May 18 will go to One Fund Boston.

“Chief” by Robb Harskamp. Contact Voltage Coffee & Art for purchase inquiries. Photo from DoubleScribble.com.