What’s behind the PopUp Art Gallery and Store in BTV?
The SunCommon PopUp Store was the brainchild of one of our solar organizers, Dan Conant. With the help of the whole SunCommon team, he crafted a space that features pieces from Vermont artists with a solar or sustainability theme that helps represent the work we are trying to do as a company. (More thorough explanation below) During the month, people can come visit us in the store, admire (and buy!) the art and hopefully learn more about what we can do to help them go solar. There will be educational events for adults and kids throughout the month – you can see them here on our calendar. Also follow us on Facebook or Twitter to stay up to date and learn about impromptu events and treats!
Where did the idea of a PopUp Art Gallery and Store come from? 
Even though our office is 5 miles from the closest village, several hundred yards off the road, and with no SunCommon sign, people still manage to find us and stop by to learn more about solar. Dan had the idea–what if we brought solar to the people–where they live, work, and play? How much bigger could solar be? And while we’re at it, why don’t we create a space that inspires folks to help build a sustainable future? From there, the idea took off, and after a lot of sweat (and fortunately, no blood), we’ve got a gorgeous space for all to enjoy.
How does art fit into SunCommon’s mission?
We like to think that we are geeks with a sense of style. In many ways, we feel that what we are doing here at SunCommon is a form of art. While the majority of what we do is very technical and contains hundreds of details, from a big picture perspective, we’re imagining and crafting the Vermont energy future that we want to see. Being able to imagine the landscape is the first step towards making it happen. Bringing local artists and their work together in this space is one way that we can represent and support the creative work that goes into making the world an awesome place to live.
What is the goal of the PopUp store?
Our most tangible goal is to connect directly with Vermonters who live and/or work in Burlington to help them learn about how they can save money and go solar. Secondary goals include supporting and featuring talented local artists and collaborate with local groups such as VEEP and 350.org who are also working to create a sustainable future. And always, the underlying goal is to inspire Vermonters to be part of the solar revolution and dramatically increase the amount of solar used in our state.
Shout out to Marc Sherman whose great local store Outdoor Gear Exchange inhabited where the Pop-Up Sola Gallery is, before moving to his gorgeous new store right on Church Street. Rather than run out his lease on the old space and leave it vacant, he’s made it available to community groups who can make use of it and bring it to life. Love local. Love Marc.
http://www.facebook.com/GearX