This fall, Locust Projects celebrates a decade as Miami’s landmark not-for-profit alternative artspace. The 10-year anniversary exhibition Inevitable Continuum opens Saturday, November 8th, 2008 with a reception from 7-11 p.m. and an encore reception December 6th.

Long before there was a Wynwood Art District or gallery night, Locust Projects was showing cutting edge work from emerging artists in its warehouse space at 105 NW 23rd Street. Founders Westen Charles, Cooper and Elizabeth Withstandley created the gallery as a space for artists to experiment, and their vision continues to thrive today.

From grassroots organization to the preeminent home for up-and-coming talent in Miami, Locust Projects has flourished into a full-fledged nonprofit organization with a board of directors, financial backing and support from big names in Miami’s art community. Along the way, Locust Projects spurred the revitalization of what is now the Wynwood Art District, becoming the vital core the local art scene.

Looking back at 10 years and over 50 exhibitions, Executive Director Claire Breukel and artist Gean Moreno didn’t want to be limited by a conventional retrospective. Instead, they have curated an exhibition that captures the organization’s forward-looking philosophy and commitment to supporting contemporary art that might not work in a traditional gallery or museum setting.

Breukel and Moreno have invited one alumnus from each year, many who have become prolific names, to choose their favorite, most promising artist now. The result is a dynamic mix of new work from a diverse line-up national and international talent.

Participating artists are Chris Buening selected by Tatiana Garmendia (shown at Locust Projects in 1999), Mariana Palma selected by Albano Afonso (2000), Ivan Reyes-Garcia selected by Gregory Green (2001), Seamus Harahan selected by Phil Collins (2002), Ronald Cornelissen selected by Beatriz Monteavaro (2003), Paul Cherwick selected by Jon Pylypchuk (2004), Jaime Gili selected by Eugenio Espinoza (2005), K8 Hardy selected by Laura Parnes (2006), Nikos Arvanitis selected by Magnus Arnason (2007), and Justin Hansch selected by Graham Hudson (2008).

Inevitable Continuum will represent the cross-section of innovative sculpture, drawing painting, installation, digital media and mural projects – many site-specific – for which Locust Projects is renowned.