There’s something inspiring about getting out and admiring artists’ work: their physical, I-painted-this-on-my-hands-and-knees artwork. It’s a huge accomplishment to display and sell artwork in a gallery, but most importantly to share that work with other people.
When we’re working on our craft at home, alone in a room or a studio, we might wonder, will anyone ever see this?
I visited two gallery exhibitions this month to support local artists and photographers at SoBo Art Gallery in Winter Garden and AXIOM Gallery in Winter Park. I walked around, trying to figure out, What were they thinking in this moment? What inspired them to draw, paint, or photograph this piece?
I’d never attended an art exhibition, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. There were a LOT of people in a small space, but everyone was friendly and there for the same reason: to support local artists…and to socialize a little bit, of course.
SoBo Art Gallery – Winter Garden
SoBo Art Gallery hosted an opening reception on September 6, 2018 to kick off its Animalia exhibition. This cute, quaint art gallery is located off Plant Street in Downtown Winter Garden.
All paintings, photographs, sculptures, and pieces included an image or resemblance of an animal.
AXIOM Gallery – Winter Park
On the other side of town, Downtown Winter Park’s AXIOM Gallery hosted an opening reception the very next night on September 7, 2018 for a photography exhibition.
The exhibition HER focused on females artists telling stories through their photographs.
Danielle Werner
Danielle Werner of Live Wonderful Photography showcased her beautiful travel photography. She is one of my favorite local photographers because her images are so bright, clear and crisp.
If you’re in need of photography classes, I highly recommend taking one of Danielle’s classes! She breaks down all the complicated aspects of photography into something that’s easy to understand and practice.
Yelenia Strokin
Much of Yelenia’s photos had dark, moody backgrounds with a grey or black backdrop, and a pop of color. Fruits and other props brought some warmth into the photographs.
As my friend Andrell and I discussed the photos on the wall, we heard a voice behind us. “Do you have any questions?” Yelenia walked over to say hi and chat about her work!
The photographers were friendly, excited to share with us the intention behind the photos.
Mary Bel
Mary Bel displayed dramatic self-portraits, each tackling a different social issue. My favorite piece from Mary Bel is a photo depicting social media. When I spoke with Mary Bel, she said she wanted to convey how quickly people are to record each other rather than to help.
She mentioned when something bad happens, people might record it and post it online rather than reach out and make sure the other person is OK.
Mary Bel also shared a difficult time she was going through, and how people didn’t respond when she needed them most. It was nice to hear her perspective and what she was thinking when she took the photos.
Many of these photographs reflected on a tone or a moment in the photographer’s life, and they did a great job conveying their own unique messages.
Other Orlando Galleries with Exhibitions
Of course, there is an ENDLESS list of galleries in Orlando and its surrounding cities! Here are just a few to give you some options of places you can visit:
Your Art Gallery Experience
What are your favorite galleries to visit, inside and outside of Orlando (anywhere in the world!) ?
Have you ever displayed your work in a show, or is there something you’re working on that you’d like to display in the future?
I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
There are so many cool places in Winter Garden!! I have been thinking about going there soon to check some out!
Nikki! There are SO many great places in Winter Garden! I just photographed a session in downtown Winter Garden a few weeks ago. There are a lot of great spots, like the clock tower, Railroad Museum, brick walls, a caboose, and a small area garden area. The city is pretty at night too. The trees are wrapped in lights, and some of the shops and restaurants stay open. I think you’ll really like it! 🙂
Love the art work! Definitely going to check it out when I can.
Kathy, you would really enjoy the galleries! It’s nice to walk around when the galleries are empty so you can really take in the artwork on your own.
The frog painting titled “El Coqui” is Louis’s artwork at SoBo! Definitely check it out when you have time. 🙂
You take such amazing photos, Kelly! You have such a great talent. Maybe one day you’ll be showcasing your photography in a gallery, in a magazine (of your own!!) one day 💖 Can’t wait to see all the future greatness!!!
Thank you so much, Andrell! I really appreciate your kind words. I’d love to showcase my photography in a gallery one day, to share it and hopefully inspire others! I love your idea about turning the blog into a magazine too. Thanks for your continuing support and encouragement. 🙂 I know you’ll do great things with your own blog. You’re already spreading positivity with it!