AM is on-site at Manifest Hope DC and it is getting hectic at the gallery. It’s midnight here and the crew of over 30 volunteers are now running on Red Bull and Red Stripe. We are at ground zero of this awesome show and only a few days before the show goes live. With giant installations under construction from Mike Murphy and Kelly Towles, the place is abuzz with power-saws and drills.

The other part of the crew is busy unpacking the never ending stream of boxes from UPS and Fed Ex containing artwork from all over the nation. Try cataloging, pricing and hanging over 200 pieces from over 150 artists in a matter of few days. It’s going to be a rough ride, but Yosi Sergant and Megan Rollins of Evolutionary media, and the Irvine Contemporary are pressing on and leading the crew of selfless volunteers in an effort to get this momentous show ready for their weekend opening. There are even sleeping rooms set up for people who are bushed from working around the clock. Check back with AM as we’ll get you a preview of more once the dust settles.

Check out all the sneak peeks and action shots after the jump.

Yosi Sergant and Martin Irvine

Yosi Sergant and Martin Irvine

Mike Murphy

Mike Murphy

Sage Vaughn

Sage Vaughn

Kelly Towles hard at work

Kelly Towles hard at work

This is where some of them sleep...

This is where some of them sleep...

Which one is am Ed?

Which one is am Ed?

Discuss the show here.