The Valley Arts Council has re-invented itself.
The organization recently emerged from the darkness of not being able to pay its electric bill to once again having lights and opening a new and improved gallery.
E Street Gallery is at 35 Elizabeth St., Derby, next door to its former location. It is the former home of Galerie Chartier.
“We ran into some financial situations and, being artists, we used our ingenuity and thought outside the box,” Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo said Friday.
“We moved the gallery and gave it a whole new revamp. We now have all administrative positions in place that we never had before.”
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The Valley Arts Council has named Oxford resident Tangelene Ramsay, a pottery artist, as gallery administrator, and Ansonia resident Ralph Villers as treasurer.
“It’s a new space and a new start,” Ramsay said.
The organization serves Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.
A soft opening last week ended up being profitable for two member artists, DiCarlo said. Two pieces of art were sold minutes after the gallery opened.
The space is filled with unique artwork including paintings, photography, collages, silk screen prints, and sculpture. DiCarlo said, “We’re seeking new members to participate in this great endeavor.”
DiCarlo said The Valley Arts Council will celebrate its grand opening with a reception and live entertainment at Artrageous, An Exhibition of Your Wildest Dreams, that opens July 17.
Art dropoff dates are from 4 – 8 p.m. July 9, 10, and 11, and applications may be downloaded from the Council’s website.
DiCarlo said the Valley Arts Council has welcomed The Sterling Lion Theater Company as a participating member. The nonprofit troupe will make its debut at the Valley Arts Council’s Artrageous exhibit.
Editor’s note: The writer is a member of the Valley Arts Council Board.
