I am so excited about "Pop Up Empire," the upcoming pop-up art and music show this Friday, Jan. 28 at Granny's Empire of Art that was curated by Bold Local Michelle Broder Van Dyke. Over the weekend, Michelle invited me to come see the space and find out more about its history.

Granny's is a quirky residence-turned-art-piece, and you really have to see it in person to fully understand its awesomeness. Its owner, Jaina Bee, was inspired by other unusual homes like the Winchester Mystery House and decided to create her own weird and wonderful world. From 1997-2002, she had artist Jason Mecier (most well-known for his pop-culture portraits made out of everyday objects, like his fab dried bean portrait of the Golden Girls) create an installation at her place. "Pencil Vania," is a three-story stairwell made out of old pencils, erasers, pens, and other assorted office supplies. It's seriously amazing!

During "Pop Up Empire," Michelle and friends will be giving tours of Granny's, where they'll be explaining some of the history and context behind Jason's art piece and three different rooms in the home: The Opium Den, the Raindrop Room, and one of the most unique bathrooms I've ever seen in my life. Because the space is compact and the installations can be easily damaged, the groups we'll be leading through the house will be small. During the opening, you'll be able to sign up for a tour, for a $2-$5 donation. Please note that we'll be asking you to take off your shoes before the house tour, so prep your feet accordingly! Don't worry, the gallery space with the art and music is in a separate area of the house, where you won't have to take off your shoes. The backyard will also be open to hang out and get beer/wine.

Granny's Empire of Art is only open to the public once a year, so this is a really special opportunity to come check out this space.

And of course, "Pop Up Empire," will feature more than the work at Granny's, it will also host pieces by local artists Alex Luke, Chris Ritson, Cyrus Tabar, Erik Wilson, Shalo P, and Shemoel Recalde, and musical performances by Yoshi Omori, First Family, and Tears Club. Michelle and the artists will be selling DIY pop-up books that they've co-created; you can buy one and become a part of the art-making process yourself!

See you Friday!