Gallery X is a community art gallery and performance venue that welcomes work from artists of every age, any style, and all levels of education and experience. Since they’re supported by memberships, it’s logical to assume that the monthly exhibitions are a showcase of their members’ work, but that’s not true. The members select monthly exhibition themes, and all artists are invited to submit their interpretation of that theme in any medium. At Gallery X, there are no juries, no exclusion and free expression reigns.
Monthly themes, like May’s theme “Minimalist-X” are evocative and the show offers an expansive, thought-provoking range or work in all mediums and styles. Having two galleries, up-and-down stairs, means multiple events happen simultaneously: always a gallery exhibition and sometimes music, or improv, or art classes, or simply more gallery space.
Gallery X is focused on getting young people more involved in the New Bedford arts community. This month they’re hosting Novem, the UMass Dartmouth senior photography capstone show, a highly anticipated event that brings students, families and faculty, and the local community into their Gallery. Their annual “High School Select” exhibit, paused during the pandemic, features New Bedford High School student artwork, and will expand to include more area schools in the coming years. A recent post-baccalaureate ceramics show enjoyed high attendance.
“I love watching young artist’s light up when they see their work up on the wall for the first time,” says Zachary White, Executive Director. “And there’s nothing like the look on their face when they see that red dot (meaning sold) on their work.”
Like many visual arts organizations, Gallery X shifted to online exhibitions during the pandemic. Their Facebook page, “Show Us Your Art” attracted new audiences and has evolved into a network of artists supporting each other with critique and encouragement. It was so successful that the format will remain part of their ongoing programming. “Our Facebook page has been driving open call submissions from as far away as Arizona and Florida,” says Zachary.
As a partner of AHA!, Gallery X always hosts interesting 2nd Thursday celebrations to enliven the downtown experience. The May 12th AHA! Night features the opening reception of “Novem,” the UMass senior photography exhibition as well as the music of Gary Brown, and like everything else at Gallery X, everyone’s invited.
