A new Phoenix art gallery will have its opening exhibition this First Friday, featuring Bassim Al-Shaker, an artist from Iraq, who worked to prepare and curate pieces for “The Winter Show.”
The gallery, which is located in the Green Leaf Arts District apartments, will feature 23 artists and varying types of art, including a selection of Al-Shaker’s.
“People can expect all new pieces from artists at the opening… high level, professional art,” said Al-Shaker.
Green Leaf approached Al-Shaker after the building (previously Broadstone Arts District) was bought, and he stayed on as a resident artist. Al-Shaker spent three months curating the gallery before being given more freedom to enhance the space, which prompted his re-design of the gallery with new paint, lighting and furniture.
Darla Stechnij, the manager at Green Leaf Arts District, has worked with Al-Shaker to help provide him the freedom to plan the gallery space. She is very eager to see the turnout on Friday night.
“I think the gallery will bring in a lot of different people,” said Stechnij. “People from various places that might not visit here otherwise will be able to view beautiful art.”
The Green Leaf Gallery is only a few blocks from the Phoenix Art Museum, which Al-Shaker thinks is an ideal location. Furthermore, First Friday will draw in more art enthusiasts to the new space. The gallery’s garage door will also be opened to draw in more passersby.
The First Friday opening will have a red carpet, drinks, and live music to accompany the gallery opening, which Al-Shaker hopes will help enhance the feel of the evening. Both the indoor and outdoor space will be utilized to create a more complete feel.
“I don’t want it to be a basic, normal show,” said Al-Shaker. “I want the artists to feel that they are important.”
Al-Shaker stressed that he wants this show to display new, surprising works of art. His goal is to showcase pieces that haven’t been seen already in other galleries. Additionally, there will not be a theme to the art. This gives visitors a chance to see a wide array of pieces in one area.
While curating the exhibition, Al-Shaker went through the process of carefully selecting artists and pieces that he felt needed to be seen. Although not all related, he wants a cohesive presentation of artwork.
Bill Dambrova, a local Phoenix artist that has known Al-Shaker for about 5 years, will have a few new pieces featured at the gallery opening.
“Bassim wanted to encourage artists to venture into new territory if they could,” said Dambrova. “I have some new moves in my work that I’m interested in sharing.”
Al-Shaker anticipates the gallery will be a creative space to use in the future for more shows and different types of art gatherings.
The Green Leaf Gallery will hold its opening exhibition Friday at 6 p.m.
Contact the reporter at Michael.Hannan@asu.edu.
