Gold Crown Gallery started as a fine art pop-up experience last year and is now set to open up a gallery + lounge at 128 Deweese St. next weekend. But this isn’t your average art gallery.

Owner Brock Ward created Gold Crown as a way to give back to the community — a portion of revenue from artwork sold goes back to local charities. The gallery concept started as a passion project in 2020. Being an artist + musician himself, Brock wanted to help other people through selling art.

“There are local artists who are very successful, but there are a lot of underrepresented artists who fly under the radar. I wanted them to co-mingle,” said Brock. He brings big-name paintings to help draw people in, but the true feature is the local artists.

The second Gold Crown pop-up event will take place over two days at Base249 and feature the work of locals — equine photographer Landon Antonetti + blacksmith metal artist Cecil Carpenter.

Fun fact: Cecil is the artist behind the giant metal robot, “Designed Obsolescence,” featured at Base 249.

The community is invited to stop by during the LexArts Gallery Hop on Fri., July 15 from 5-8 p.m. Claim your spot for the main event on Sat., July 16 from 2-8 p.m. The evening will feature a toast, an introduction of the artists, and a discussion about the gallery.

There will be ~50 pieces total — including a few by Pablo Picasso + Salvador Dalí from Brock’s personal collection. Most of the art will be available for purchase, with proceeds going to local charities.

The new space is scheduled to open following the event on Sat., July 16. Normal business hours will be Thursdays + Fridays from 5-8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 2-8:00 p.m. The local charities will rotate and be featured at the gallery.