Grassroots Efforts Grow More than Trees in Brooklyn's Flourishing Arts Community

Gallery 440, the newest addition to Park Slopes growing art scene, is hosting its inaugural group show, Mixed Metaphors," on Thursday April 7th at 6pm, at 440 6th Ave. One of this seasons must-see exhibits, the show is curated by artists and sculptors Todd Erickson and Jeff Jaffe and will highlight rich and diverse work by the gallerys collective of ten working artists.

Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) February 28, 2005 -- Gallery 440, the newest addition to Park Slopes growing art scene, is hosting its inaugural group show, Mixed Metaphors," on Thursday April 7th at 6pm, at 440 6th Ave. One of this seasons must-see exhibits, the show is curated by artists and sculptors Todd Erickson and Jeff Jaffe and will highlight rich and diverse work by the gallerys collective of ten working artists.

Our inaugural show should be a great surprise," says painter and designer Nancy Lunsford, one of 440s co-founders. Of the two members curating, Todd is an environmental sculptor who uses materials like clay to chronicle the formation of the earths layers, while Jeff creates wildly expressive masks when hes not managing a commercial gallery. Its an inspired mix, and Im looking forward to their collaboration."

Gallery 440 is comprised of a select group of ten serious and determined artists with a common vision: to produce work free of the constraints of the status quo. We see ourselves as part of an emerging, grassroots movement. Our goal is to avoid diluting the integrity and quality of our work. Creating this artist-run gallery allows us this freedom, notes draftsman and painter Tom Vega. Richard Eagan (aka Kay Sera), a performer and constructionist familiar to many in the local arts community, wholeheartedly agrees. He joined the gallery because there are as many reasons to create art as there are artists, and the 440 is a place where alternatives exist, and options remain open, wherever that may take the artist and the viewer."

Shanee Epstein, another of 440s founders, and an accomplished collage artist, describes being overwhelmed with requests for membership. This exciting venture is clearly part of a much larger trend in the Brooklyn arts frontier. From the moment of its inception, artists in areas like Red Hook and Gowanus contacted us. There is nothing like it in the area, and yet there are so many talented artists seeking a space and situation like this."

Since each member is responsible for curating their own month-long show," adds mixed media artist, Daniel Durning, were guaranteed, in my opinion, a fresh, new, and unexpected event each month. This is so much more dynamic and hands-on than the mainstream gallery scene."

Discerning art-lovers will find a veritable collectors paradise at Gallery 440. Its a chance to find excellent work while helping to support and advance the careers of individual artists in a very direct way," offers Ms Lunsford. "At 440 we want to nurture both our artists and those who appreciate what they do, without barriers."

Mixed Metaphors" opens at 6-9pm on Thursday, April 7, 2005 at Gallery 440. Live music and refreshments are part of this wonderful event, and all are invited to attend.

Gallery 440, 440 6th Avenue (between 9th and 10th Sts.),in Park Slope. Phone: 718.788.2349 Gallery Hours: Thu,Fri 4-7pm; Sat,Sun 12-6pm.

Mixed Metaphors" runs through April 30th, and will be followed by a solo exhibit of Todd Ericksons work in May.

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