2017 has been an interesting year in the art world, from major museum controversies to recent galleries closures. Often overlooked are the new spaces opening up. Here in SoWa there are dozens of art galleries and studios brimming with art, and notable new galleries have recently moved to town:
A R E A Gallery
460C Harrison Avenue
A lively crowd at A R E A opening night, including Gallery Director, David Guerra (2nd from right), image courtesy of A R E A Gallery Facebook
What began as a photography pop-up project called Darkroom Boston, founded by David Guerra, and eventually morphed into an apartment gallery space, is now a physical gallery securely located in the C building of 460 Harrison Avenue. On December 1st, AREA occupied two existing commercial spaces at the end of the hallway, immediately bringing life to the space with his bright, backlit sign and booming energy to match. The inaguaral exhibition, C O L L A G E art sale, features 26 artists working in a wide variety of styles and media. The gallery mission is focused on promotion of the arts in Boston through interesting exhibitions and events, and they believe everyone should be a collector! Read more about the gallery by clicking here.
KABINETT Gallery
450 Harrison Avenue #29
Opening January 5th, 2018, KABINETT Gallery has relocated from their Shawmut Avenue location and moved into their new, two-level gallery space at 450 Harrison Avenue. Gallery owner and director, Gabe Boyers, has curated an upcoming exhibition, Killers & Thrillers, that will feature an astounding 50+ artists from 200 BC -2017. According to their wesbite, "Above all, Boyers chooses to represent work that he loves, art that moves and transforms us." An active member of the MFA Museum Council, you can catch Boyer's speaking on art collecting panels or in conversation about his passion for mid-19th through early 20th century works. Read more about the gallery by clicking here, and don't miss the opening reception on January 5th! Also check out their very cool promotional video: https://vimeo.com/246640833
Beacon Gallery
534B Harrison Avenue
Image courtesy of @beacongallery Instagram
Officially opened on November 2nd of this year, their first exhibition, First Look, features six contemporary artists working in a variety of styles and media. Described by The Boston Sun as "a warm little oasis filled with art," the gallery activates a space that was previously a garden level office. Run by a powerhouse team that includes owner Christine O'Donnell, marketing director Rachel Lagault, and finance and admin coordinator Jennifer Condensa-Garcia, they offer a fresh perspective to the Boston art scene. You can look forward to their upcoming show opening January 5th, Lives in Limbo: Refugees at the Gates of Europe, which will two-fold feature topical artwork and fundraise on behalf of refugees (100% of profits!). Click for more details about Beacon Gallery.
The biggest takeaway: having a physical space is still important. People still want to see and experience art in person, this creates that important dialogue between the patron and the work. SoWa has become the destination for contemporary art in Boston, stop by any day of the week (well, aside from Mondays!) and you can see dozens of exhibitions and hundreds of artists all within a few blocks.
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