Patch Blog: Here Comes the Rock and Eagle Shop!

The concept was born from a conversation between artists Mason Williams and Ed Ruscha in 1964. These lifelong friends, who share an appreciation for words and a sharp wit for—and around—them, amused themselves with the idea of having a shop in Eagle Rock that sold just two things: Eagles and Rocks.

I have—with their permission and enthusiasm—taken on the task of fully realizing this idea in a space in Eagle Rock that will be called "The Eagle Rock Rock and Eagle Shop." (For details and a fuller description, click here.)

Interpreting Eagles

The variety of the interpretation of these two symbols of Eagle Rock will be extensive. On one side of the space will be eagles ranging from The Eagles band records; eagle puzzles; photographs and children's books on Eagle Chiefs; eagle snow globes; a carved eagle sling shot; etc.

Interpreting Rocks

On the other side of the shop will be rocks such as pop rocks; hide-a-key rocks; pet rocks; macraméd rocks; stars painted on rocks (rock stars); rock collections; and on and on. On the back wall will be eagles and rocks together—an eagle sitting on a rock or an eagle painted on a rock. There will also be rock music about eagles, etc.

Artists’ Works

Mixed within the presentations of these objects, which I have amassed via online and thrift store shopping, will be more than 20 contemporary artists’ works about rocks and/or eagles. All works will be for sale—what I have in mind is something of a group show contained within a thrift store.

Search for Storefront

I am looking for a storefront for two months so that this idea that was born 48 years ago can come to life. I am calling out to the Eagle Rock community to sponsor this show/idea/project by loaning a storefront for two months—preferably free, but if that’s not possible, then on reduced rent.

I hope there's someone out there with an empty space who would be willing to let me and my team transform the space temporarily into this wonderland of eagles and rocks.

I would of course make sure to leave the space in even better shape than I find it. I've been looking around the central part of the neighborhood and see so many spaces that would be perfect—that are boarded up and ripe for this kind of project.

I am aiming for a mid-March installation, to open on April 1 for a two-month run. Please get in touch with me at bettina@hubbyco.com.