801 Salon: Accessible Art Spaces Born From Creative Limitations

Have you ever entered a space and instantly felt like you belonged? The atmosphere feels just right, the people are so welcoming that you could kick off your shoes and settle in like it’s home. That’s the feeling 801 Salon is creating in the heart of Salt Lake City. 

Now entering its fourth year, this nonprofit, founded by Roxanne Gray, is transforming the arts scene by creating a welcoming environment where multidisciplinary artists can showcase their work in unexpected spaces, making everyone feel like they’ve found their creative home.

At its heart, 801 Salon is all about building community. Whether facilitating the logistics of an artist’s first solo show or teaming up with other creative collectives, the organization continually breaks down the barriers that often keep artists apart. The key to their success lies in collaboration—and this spirit of connection is embodied by Director of Operations Rachel Andes.

“I want to make sure that everyone feels like they are seen, and also feels like they belong at one of our shows”

Originally a dancer who moved to Salt Lake City, Andes was captivated by what 801 Salon was doing and became a regular at every show. Her passion for the arts and the community drew her in so deeply that she eventually joined the team. Andes’ journey is a testament to the opportunities 801 Salon creates for artists who are driven by love for their craft. 

“I want to make sure that everyone feels like they are seen, and also feels like they belong at one of our shows whether they are presenting or showing up. A huge part of my methodologies is validating the person’s lived experiences as they’re coming into the process,” states Gray.

“801 Salon’s approach to the use of space opened up a whole new world of what a show can be.”

At its core, 801 Salon was born out of creative limitations—a response to the rigid and often inaccessible art world. “I imagined art shows to be in spaces with white walls and standardized frames,” says Miguel Hernandez, a black-and-white documentary photographer who recently worked with the Salon. “801 Salon’s approach to the use of space opened up a whole new world of what a show can be.” This resonates throughout their projects, with 801 Salon curating experiences in non-traditional settings like local businesses and neighborhood spaces across Salt Lake County.

Hernandez, like many local artists, found solace in the community-driven, collaborative energy of 801 Salon. His latest photo series, Diminutia, which explores themes of solitude and the smallness of humanity in modern life, was presented in collaboration with 801 Salon and artist Danny Elvis at Misery & Co. Tattoo Collective. 

The sense of camaraderie and creative support he received from Gray and her team, along with the collaborative problem-solving when material costs posed a challenge, left a lasting impression. “I felt supported throughout the entire process, as if I was curating a show with a group of friends.”

For many of the artists involved, the collaboration with 801 Salon marks a turning point in their professional and personal creative journeys. “With this being my first solo show, I learned a lot,” reflected Hernandez. “Meeting so many amazing people taught me that there is a whole community of like-minded people who appreciate the arts just as much as I do.”

For Gray, accessibility is not just a talking point—it is foundational to 801 Salon’s mission. She remarks, “801 Salon is born out of creative limitations. I preach about this in my own work in my own teaching …The idea that having creative limitations can actually be really freeing.”

“I am honestly much more interested in giving someone their first solo show than I am in supporting an artist who is very established.”

By removing barriers and lowering financial hurdles, they create pop-up art shows that invite the entire community to engage with art. Through free or low-cost admission and by placing these experiences in varied locations, from studios to unconventional spaces, the Salon fosters an art scene where all can thrive, regardless of financial means or background.

Gray continues, “I am much more interested in what people are doing and making and what they’re saying about their work than about their CV or how many solo shows they have already had. I am honestly much more interested in giving someone their first solo show than I am in supporting an artist who is very established.”

“We both want to make events welcoming and accessible. We want you to know you are invited,” says Chaz Prymek, curator and promoter at Yardwork Presents, who collaborated with 801 Salon to host multimedia art and music performances. “801 Salon is a lighthouse for these things,” Prymek notes.

This spirit of inclusion and experimentation has become a hallmark of 801 Salon. Each project is curated with thoughtfulness and humility, with the artists at the center of every decision. This stands in stark contrast to many art spaces today, which often prioritize profit over creative expression. Prymek remarks, “801 Salon’s whole goal is to lift up other artists, to open doors for folks and to inspire us all.”

As 801 Salon prepares for its 2025–2026 season, there’s no sign of slowing down. With upcoming collaborations featuring artists like Taylar Jackson (@gothsloth), Ashley Jian Thomson (@brainiacdancer) and Scout Invie (@scoutinvie), and a group show curated by Gray herself at the Finch Lane Gallery, the Salon continues to be a driving force for accessibility and creative innovation in the Salt Lake Valley.

If you’re interested in getting involved with 801 Salon, it’s as simple as reaching out via Instagram at @801.salon. Stay connected with the talented artists featured in this article, too. You can follow Miguel Hernandez and explore his work at @themiguel.hernandez, or check out the monthly series from Chaz Prymek and his organization at @yardworkpresents.

Through their mission, 801 Salon has become a beacon for artists and community members alike, proving that even in a world with creative limitations, there’s always a way to foster a space where everyone can thrive.

Read more community art features here:
Always Moving with Jeffrey Louizia
Utah Design Exhibit 2024 Showcases Contemporary Handcrafted Furniture