University Star

Soda Tooth Contemporary, an art space located off Old Ranch Road opened its doors Sept. 23 for an exhibit featuring four local photographers.

Snapshots, sofas and scholars; the Soda Tooth Contemporary Art Gallery has room for a little bit of everything.

Founded earlier this year by three Texas State graduate, as a way for students and artists of the San Marcos community to showcase local contemporary art, Soda Tooth is now broadening its gallery into an even more student based co-op program.

The goal is for Soda Tooth to become a place where the students and residents of San Marcos can gather to share a sense of community.

Deleigh Hermes, recent Texas State graduate and photographer, said she is excited to begin new weekly gatherings dedicated to bringing together local artists and residents.

Hermes said the gallery plans to switch off two separate events every other Thursday night. One night will be a movie night where everyone can get to know each other and just have a good time. The other will be a “crit” night where artists from all mediums can bring their art work to be showcased and critiqued.

Soda Tooth has been dedicated to creating a space where artists of all styles, from photography to modern art, can congregate and share their passions.

“In college, students are separated by majors. Photographers would see and critique only photography,” Hermes said. “At Soda Tooth, we want people from different mediums to be able to see, critique and appreciate each other’s work. We want it to basically be a free-for-all.”

The Soda Tooth Gallery, located on Ranch Road 12, is now using its building as a co-op. It already shares the space with SMart Space for Kids, an after school program dedicated to educating children in the arts.

Hannah Carlock, recent Texas State graduate and SMart Space teacher, said that Soda Tooth has begun renting out the space.

“It’s available for any groups or clubs that need a place to use,” Carlock said. “We want this to be a place for the community to share. Everyone is welcome to it.”

Melody Jaramio, another recent Texas State graduate and photographer, wants students and residents of the community to share ideas and creativity to help make Soda Tooth as welcoming as possible.

“Our doors are always open. We’re welcome to anyone,” Jaramia said. “We’d love to have study sessions held here.”

While Soda Tooth is widening it’s gallery to include the San Marcos community even more than originally, it is still using the space to showcase local artists’ talents.

Soda Tooth opened a new group exhibition named MEDS, an acronym of the names of featured artists, Melody Jaramio, Eric Morales, Deleigh Hermes and Stephanie Gage.

“This exhibit was a way to bring all of our work together,” Jaramio said. “The photography is very personal and we all put a lot of work into it.

The exhibit is on display Friday, Sept. 23 through Sept. 30 until 4 p.m.

“We really want this to be a place for the people of San Marcos to gather, be creative and just enjoy each other’s company,” Hermes said.