- The gallery plans year-round programming including workshops and mentorships and received a Tourism Event Grant for boosting local culture and economy.
- Art Collective, a curated project of Art by Lale, will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, June 26, at The Oaks Mall.
Art Collective, a curated project of Art by Lale, will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, June 26, at The Oaks Mall.
The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at 6419 W. Newberry Rd. (near Dillard’s Men), in Gainesville
Founded and curated by award-winning artist Lâle Gerger, Art Collective transforms more than 3,000 square feet of retail space into a gallery and creative hub designed to connect artists, collectors and the broader community.
The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, “Be the Sun in Someone’s Darkness,” explores themes of empathy, kindness, resilience and human connection through a variety of artistic styles and mediums.
“Art has the power to connect people, foster understanding, and bring light into unexpected places,” Gerger said in a press release. “The vision behind Art Collective is to make art more accessible by bringing it directly into a space where people naturally gather and interact. Rather than waiting for audiences to seek out galleries, we are bringing creativity into everyday community life.”
The grand opening will introduce visitors to the artwork and vision of Gerger and Art by Lale while showcasing the work of participating regional artists, including:
- Diana Ortiz, mixed media
- Mary Hanson, photography
- Michael Everett, graphite
- Nick Calero, photography
- Carrie Schachter, acrylic
- Robert Murphy, mixed media and digital art
- Ingrid Ilona Ebner-Herzog, mixed media
- Levi Powell, emerging artist
In addition to rotating exhibitions, Art Collective plans to offer artist demonstrations, workshops, educational programming, mentorship opportunities and community engagement initiatives throughout the year.
Art Collective recently received a Tourism Event Grant from Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, recognizing the project’s potential to attract regional visitors while contributing to the area’s cultural and economic vitality.
Community members, business leaders, artists, collectors and art enthusiasts are invited to attend the grand opening celebration and experience the gallery’s first exhibition.
About Art Collective
Art Collective is a curated initiative of Art by Lale dedicated to making art more accessible through exhibitions, educational opportunities and community-centered programming. By bringing artists and audiences together in an inclusive environment, the gallery seeks to inspire creativity, foster meaningful connections and enrich the cultural landscape of North Central Florida.