It’s been five years since Var Gallery & Studios opened in Walker’s Point, 634 S. 2nd St.

To celebrate, Var – short for "variety" – will host a collective exhibition Friday, Nov. 30 featuring the work of both the current artists as well as past residents. The free event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m.

In its early days, seven artists worked within the space and today there are 54 artists in residence.

"I’m overwhelmed by what we have accomplished internally and with our community. I’m proud of what we’ve done collectively and I can confidently say we don't plan on stopping any time soon," says gallery owner and MIAD grad, Josh Hintz.

The artists specialize in a range of disciplines including painting, drawing and multi-media installations (including ice, as pictured to the left) that focus on identity, community, social relations, trauma, conflict and peace making, the built environment and the natural world, economy, craft, beauty, ideology and myth making, politics, pop culture, queer and feminist theory and sci-fi and fantasy.

"Being at Var has reminded me of the best part of art school. After all the money and classes and critiques, it came down to surrounding yourself with artists and makers that share an insatiable passion you have to create," says artist Erich Moderow.

Sam Pekarske, one of Var’s writers in residence, will curate readings from poets and performers.

"Var is a wonderful environment that encourages dialogue, provides community, and gives artists a platform to present their work to a large audience. It was a joy and honor to be a resident at Var," says former Var artist, Stephanie Barenz.

Check out Var's invite on Facebook here.