CHALLENGING, YET REWARDING

THAT'S HOW I WOULD DESCRIBE 2023

Having moved into a larger space, I knew the year would be memorable and hard work. What I didn't expect were the many learning opportunities each show would bring—not only for myself but for the artists as well. Despite these growing pains, we made it through to the other side each time and created one heck of a year. Together.

So before we get this 2023 round-up started, let me say a heartfelt THANK YOU to all the participating artists, photographer Mario Gallucci who captured countless special moments, designer Drew Garza whose graphics not only elevated the gallery but made it a 'place,' and all the art supporters who came through, collected art, and shared stories. THANK YOU.

***Artist Lisa Congdon next to her artwork.***

Kicking the year off with a bang, Lisa Congdon presented her fourth solo exhibit with the gallery titled The Opposite of Sorrow (pictured above) in January. Lisa also curated a group exhibit for Gallery 2 that same month which featured 16 local, national, and international artists.

***Opening night for Dan Lam's 'Cosmic Shake'***

Come summertime, Dan Lam brought the heat with her neon-hued otherworldly sculptures in her fourth gallery solo titled Cosmic Shake (pictured above). The following month, John Vitale upped his ante with larger-than-life abstract paintings for his second solo Mother Cabrini to Sunset Park (pictured below). In October, Yellena James took us on a journey through thriving underwater landscapes with her sixth solo exhibit Weightless.

***Installation view of 'Mother Cabrini to Sunset Park' by John Vitale.***

The gallery also welcomed the return of sculptor Godeleine de Rosamel who U-Hauled her whimsical ceramics all the way from Southern California. Although I've been working with Godeleine for over a decade now, Everything Takes Forever marked her solo debut with Chefas Projects. The gallery was transformed into a magical wonderland brimming with flora and fauna straight out of Godeleine's imagination.

***Installation view of 'Everything Takes Forever' by Godeleine de Rosamel.***

One of the goals for the year was to stretch my curatorial art muscles and step out of my comfort zones. Mission accomplished, with the gallery welcoming no shortage of relative newcomers. Artists Laura Burke, Gina M. Contreras, Brianna Spencer, Nate Ethington, Jess Ackerman, Jack Graydon, Emily Wise, and Paige Wright graced the gallery walls (and pedestals) for their first solo exhibits with the gallery. Each artist dazzled our hearts and minds while presenting stunning shows that exemplified their unique voice.

***Artist Emily Wise next to her artwork***

*Artist Gina M. Contreras discussing her work with art lovers*

*Ceramicist Paige Wright next to her sculptures*

Rounding out 2023 is a two-person show from gallery artists Nathan McKee and Ryan Bubnis titled In Plain Sight. Their exciting use of color, shape, and composition creates playful and layered imagery that consistently draws from personal memories and the hidden treasures of everyday life. Nathan and Ryan also co-curated a small group show for Gallery 2 this month, inviting viewers to look more closely and intently at the everyday things and scenes we take for granted. There are still a few more days to experience the artwork in person and it's not to be missed. The last day to view the shows is December 30th.

Cheers to 2024!