If it wasn’t for the bright red sign outside 1136 West Fifth Ave., My House would be as inconspicuous as any other home in the neighborhood. However, on a given night, there is likely to be music, films and artists lurking within its walls. And the neighbors don’t even complain.
My House is the brainchild of Marc Moscato and Jesse Garlick, and it’s literally a basement. It opened in March and has played host to a variety of underground and independent performers. All ages are welcome at the events.
“It’s not really about partying — it’s about art and culture,” Moscato said.
Next up on the schedule is “Lost & Found: A Weekend of Found Films” on Nov. 1 and 2. The films were shot in a variety of formats: 8-millimeter, Super 8-millimeter, 16-millimeter and regular old VHS. Some consist of loops and stock footage sewn together — notably, one entitled “Election Collectibles.”
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; each show starts at 8 p.m. There will be live music accompanying the films on Friday. The suggested donation for “Lost & Found” is $3. Money raised at every My House show goes directly to the artists. In the house’s short-but-busy history — 16 shows — no admission price has exceeded $5.
Moscato, a University arts and administration graduate student, coordinates most of the events for the do-it-yourself venue. His graduate research parallels the same “DIY” theme. He said that the idea of do-it-yourself came out of the late 1970s punk-rock movement, and he considers it “completely grassroots.”
“There is no other forum in Eugene for this kind of work,” Moscato said.
Shoestring budgets, a great amount of independence and an attention to craftsmanship are common themes behind much of the work coming out of the house. Moscato considers the promotional materials — small, silk-screened, hand-collated booklets — pieces of art in themselves.
Citing independent film as an example, Moscato discussed how mainstream artwork has become superficial. What’s considered film by mainstream media is frequently a multimillion-dollar picture with a large amount of corporate backing.
“Independent film’s a kind of perverted word — it doesn’t really mean it’s independent,” Moscato said.
Moscato has planned anti-war activist rallies in the past, and said that he sees My House as way to bring together community members mutually interested in artistic endeavors. The shows don’t exist as venues for one-dimensional purposes — they’re a method to create a “strong network of people.”
“There needs to be a forum for artwork to be made for people,” he said. “I view this work as part of my activism — building relationships with people. It’s a method of change.”
Garlick, who owns the home, is a coordinator and also works the door during events. He said My House was an opportunity just waiting to happen.
“I kind of felt guilty that there was all the extra space,” he said.
Garlick also cooks dinner for incoming artists.
“It helps,” he said. “It feels like they’re coming into a community instead of a venue.”
Many of the performers spent the night earlier this year for a show featuring Finnish musicians Aavikko and local band Qui Quiri Qui. People camped out on the front lawn, basement, living room and deck.
My House coordinator Kate Wilson is relatively new to the project. A friend of Moscato’s, she has helped with promotion by distributing posters and recording a public service announcement that airs on KWVA campus radio. She was involved with the house’s “Make It Better” workshop, which enlisted the help of Eugene residents to create a book and interactive exhibit.
“I think it’s a constructive way to spend my time,” Wilson said.
The “Make It Better” book is on sale at the house, along with a wide selection of homemade ‘zines.
My House also exhibits photography and visual arts. Its most recent event, the “PDX DIY Show” show brought the work of Erin McKillip & Lin Stone to the house’s walls. The exhibit will run through November, and also features one of Moscato’s art installations.
“Anyone can do this,” Moscato said. “It’s not hard.”