Back in April, Matteo Trisolini, the owner of Space Untitled, and Anthony Ardavin, one of the gallery’s resident artists, came over to my studio. They were there to see if I’d be a good fit for the gallery. I wasn’t represented there yet. I was just hoping.
While they were looking around, Anthony was quietly picking a painting for a show.
A little 5 by 7 on the wall
I tape things to my studio walls. Sketches, studies, small paintings, whatever I want to keep looking at. Anthony went through all of it. He rummaged through stacks, walked the walls, and then zeroed in on one little 5 by 7 piece. It didn’t take him long at all.
That little piece ended up in The Collector’s Secret, a group show of curated rarities: paintings, drawings, mixed media and small sculptures, all under $1,000. It’s the kind of show where you can find something rare and actually take it home. It meant a lot that he chose it. Anthony is one of my closest friends, and also one of the most talented painters I know.
I went out and found a beautiful marble frame for it. Something that felt as special as the moment.
Then it grew
The show didn’t open until this month. And when it did, Matteo had decided to hang more of my work in the front room as part of The Collector’s Secret. I didn’t expect that. I’m really grateful for it.
Opening night
The opening was on October 8, and it was such a good night. People came and went all evening, so it never felt crowded. I got to talk with a lot of interesting people and see some familiar faces. There wasn’t one big moment. The whole night was just really nice.
It felt good to be back in the gallery, too. Summer is slow for businesses in South Florida, and the gallery had been quiet for a bit. Now the snowbirds are coming back and the room had energy again.
The company I’m in
Having my work on the same walls as these artists is an honor I don’t take lightly. Anthony, Jesus Nodarse, Madonna Mayfield, Matteo himself, and the rest of the Space Untitled artists make some of the best work in the area. Anthony has been with the gallery almost from the very beginning. His skill is unreal, and the message in his work is beautiful.
Every time I’m in that room, I learn something. I grow from it.
The Collector’s Secret is on view through the end of October at Space Untitled Art Gallery, 2422 N Dixie Hwy in Wilton Manors. You can find the gallery hours and what’s coming up next on my Exhibitions page. If you go, tell them I sent you.
Better yet, come to the next opening. I haven’t missed one yet, so you’ll find me there. I’ll be the one hovering near my work, pretending not to listen to what people say about it.
