Page 23 - Valley Life & Health

THE MORNING CALL SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2019 23

Jerold R. Foresythe, to design a lighting create innovative art in a variety of contemporary Rules are rules!”
system that mirrors the ones used to light a styles. Since its opening, the gallery has been The current Summer Show runs through
performance stage, so that each piece of art on a rotation of four three-month shows a year, October 5 and features the work of Arturo
gets its own treatment. including the Summer Show, the Holiday Show, a Cabrera, Jessica Bastidas, Domenick Naccarato,
The result was a colorful, comfortable, Juried Exhibit, and a Spring Show. Marlow Rodale, Barney Stone, Ward Van Haute,
home-like space free of stuffiness – a gallery that In between each show, the space goes dark and Susan Washington. Cabrera and Bastidas, who
encourages patrons to linger, and one that fosters for two weeks (literally – with the front windows are alumni of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School
meaningful relationships with the community covered) so that the next show can be moved for the Arts, are having ten percent of sales of any
while supporting both local and regional artists. in and each room completely revamped from of their work donated back to the school. All of
The gallery has also become an anchor for top to bottom. Furniture, rugs and accessories the artists are expected to attend the anniversary
hosting gatherings, from opening and closing are replaced. Wall colors are changed. Even the party, as well as the closing reception on October 5.
receptions to yoga, art and wine nights and exhibiting artists themselves can’t see what the Several have also exhibited at the space in the past.
“meet the artist” events. final display will look like before it’s revealed to While the gallery aims to keep things fresh
A five-year anniversary celebration that took the public at the opening reception. from show to show, they also remain loyal to the
place on July 25 was their biggest event yet. The
party, which was open to the public, provided
an opportunity for all of the current and past while all of the artwork is for sale, the team
exhibiting artists, as well as the community, to
come together and toast to the gallery’s success. wants patrons to feel like the gallery is,
“The party included the current [Summer
Show] exhibit as it is, and we screened a video first and foremost, a home away from home.
that’s a little mini documentary about the gallery.
It’s a history of our five years here,” says Van
Haute. “It was really a birthday party – a chance
for us to celebrate with our friends and patrons. “That’s the theatrics of it. Kate and I both artists wo have had success there. This initiates a
And we’re a small business, so this is a milestone.” have theatre backgrounds, so we knew that there balance of keeping each show new and bringing art
Indeed, the milestone is one that wouldn’t would be no question of that theatrical element. to the public that they haven’t seen before while still
have happened without a clear vision of what the It’s like curtains at six o’clock. You get to open supporting the artists who have history there.
gallery should be and how it should operate. To the doors and everybody comes in,” says Van “The artists in the beginning…they took a risk
that end, Van Haute relied on gallery director, Haute. “In theatre, opening night is opening night. with us. I’d say there were several artists who
Kate Hughes, to help set the tone – a truly Nobody gets to see anything before that.” were a little nervous about art in the home – with
welcoming, creative space that is available to all “We don’t even let the artists in – and they try!” the concept, and who were a little nervous that
people. When someone walks in the door, it’s laughs Hughes. it would overshadow the art,” recalls Van Haute.
often Hughes, or Mike Lebson, assistant curator, “Even if they show up for opening night “What I strive for with each and every exhibit
who is there to greet them and to encourage fifteen minutes early, I kick them out,” Van Haute design is that the rooms are there to enhance the
open dialogue around the art. chimes in. “Even if they’re good friends of mine. art, not take away from it.”
And while all of the artwork is for sale,
the team wants patrons to feel like the
gallery is, first and foremost, a home away
from home.
“We want people to feel like they’ve
entered the home of a friend. We have
conversations and tell stories about the
artists and the artwork. People love that –
they tend to stay around longer and have
profound discussions about art and life,”
says Hughes. “They then look at the work
differently. It’s more of an experience. My
philosophy here is to just treat people
how I would like to be treated. Our
personalities and senses of humor are
some of our greatest attributes for this
type of business. Art is an emotional
purchase - creating such a friendly and
warm atmosphere has made our gallery
extremely approachable. We have a
community of supporters that continuously
come back to see what’s new, who’s here
and to simply say hello – just a testament
to what art is capable of fostering and we
couldn’t be happier.” Gesner
They also take pride in the outstanding
roster of artists they’ve been fortunate Karlo
enough to exhibit since 2014 – 150 in all,
both featured artists and house artists who by
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