Message from the Executive Director

Gallery X is at an important turning point in its 15 year existence. From a small cooperative storefront gallery on Spring Street Gallery X has grown into a full-fledged non-profit arts organization, owning its present location, the former First Universalist Church at 169 William Street, with two ample exhibition and performance spaces. Through the hard work of the volunteer artist members, Gallery X has renovated and maintained this facility. Grant funding was acquired to make the building fully handicapped accessible, with the installation of an elevator, a ramp and another restroom. The demands of running a community art center have put great pressure on its artist members, who have sacrificed precious time and energy away from their artistic endeavors and survival struggles. This sacrifice has resulted in the burnout, followed by the dropout of many vital members. The remaining group realized in order for the co-op to survive, they needed to hire a staff person who would move the organization forward and maintain a consistent presence at the gallery. My background as an artist, gallery owner, and marketing professional in a non-profit setting, will serve me well in fulfilling their expectations.

As the executive director I have been absorbing many of the administrative
and day to day responsibilities of running Gallery X, as well as weekday gallery sitting and office hours. However, with this said, there is still a need for member participation, and more importantly, enthusiasm about the activities at Gallery X. Artists are notorious for being self-centered, but the longevity of this cooperative organization has proven that notion wrong. To attract new members and hopefully bring back old ones, membership has been simplified and adjusted to accommodate the present day realities artists face. We now have a store called Something Xtra, where members can have work for sale year round. My first project for the new year is to secure funding for, and install track lighting in the Main Gallery.

Gallery X has come a long way since it opened as the first contemporary art gallery in New Bedford in 1990. If it wants to remain a vital force in the newly designated Downtown Arts & Cultural District, it needs new life from the species that gave it birth: artists. There is no better time than the present to become part of Gallery X.

- Nilsa Garcia-Rey

February 2005

• February 19, 2005 • Message from the Executive Director
• February 19, 2005 • Track Lighting in Main Gallery
• February 19, 2005 • Something Xtra, Gallery X store
• February 19, 2005 • 4ART Brochure
• February 19, 2005 • Donor Plaques in Main Gallery