Why did the pastor open an art gallery? He wanted more art in people’s lives. Welcome to The Compassion Factory. It is a unique art gallery and studio in Brookfield.
The Compassion Factory opened in January 2018. Rev. Karl Sokol founded it. He is the pastor of Compassion United Methodist Church. His mission was simple. He believed everyone needs more art. The Compassion Factory hoped to create an arts district at Eight Corners.
Rev. Karl Sokol earned a fine arts degree. He also has a philosophy degree from Canterbury Christ Church University in England. He knows the benefits of art.
The Compassion Factory is a judgment-free space. Weird and wonderful art is created here. Local artists display their work. The Compassion Factory supports experienced and budding artists. It values art as necessary for the community.
The Compassion Factory confronted the COVID-19 pandemic. It closed its doors. The future was uncertain. The gallery moved exhibitions outdoors. They were pop-up style and socially distanced. Small, private indoor showings occurred during winter.
The gallery is now ready to spring back to life. The Compassion Factory reopened for its first regular exhibit on May 12.
Ann Sokol is Rev. Karl Sokol’s wife. She said they want people to feel comfortable. They want people to purchase art. Shows are more effective for artists and the gallery, if people come in.
The spring exhibit featured Elaine Luther. She is a Forest Park resident. Her work focuses on all forms of labor. This includes domestic, emotional, invisible, and shadow work.
Luther hopes to get people thinking. She wants them to think about work in their lives. It could be things they do. Or things done for them. They might not think about it too much.
Luther’s art is directly printed. It is printed as a photogram on vintage doilies. Also on vintage napkins, table runners, and placemats.
The Compassion Factory also features interactive pieces. Visitors can engage with them.
Art classes for children and adults returned in the summer. Art instructor Terri Angarone teaches the courses. She intertwines technique with social events. She focuses on Mexican cultural art for Hispanic Heritage Month. She highlights Black artists for Black History Month. Also, she presents all female artists for Women’s History Month.
Angarone likes to tie art to current events. She pushes children to talk about it with their families. This creates conversation.
The Sokols are happy to have a functioning arts center. Locals can enjoy art and have meaningful fellowship. The Compassion Factory is a multiuse community space. People are ready to gather and come back. It engages creativity within the community.
The Compassion Factory hosts organized art classes. These are for kids and adults. Classes are offered in clay, ceramics, and photography. The space is wide open. The walls are movable. This allows for artwork even in the creation of events. The gallery and studio can be rented. Rent them for celebrations like birthdays and wedding rehearsals. The outdoor patio and yard are also available for rent.
Walk-in gallery hours are Thursdays from 4pm-9pm and Saturdays from 10am-1pm. Tours are available by appointment. Don’t miss the first Friday of the month. The gallery hosts opening receptions for new exhibitions. Drop-in hours and First Friday Receptions are free.
Rev. Karl Sokol will likely guide you. He is passionate about encouraging artistic expression in Brookfield.
The Compassion Factory sees art, loves art, creates art, and is art. It wants you to buy art and enjoy art. It fosters art and contributes art. It is a place of art. The Compassion Factory is located at 9210 Broadway Avenue. It’s at Eight Corners in Brookfield.