New Gallery and a Perennial Favorite

Boston welcomes a new gallery to Jamaica Plain next month, and two members of Boston Handmade will have artwork included in the inaugural exhibition. UFORGE Gallery officially opens it's doors on April 3rd with the mission of being a non-traditional art gallery offering monthly assignments challenging artists with specific themes and mediums. Of the venture gallery co-founder/owner Brian Crete says, “We wanted a space that gives everyone a chance to display their work, and includes all types and levels of artists – not just well-known artists... an innovative destination and exhibition gallery where established artists can mentor new aspiring artists, and where lesser-known artists can build upon their media and grow artistically.” The gallery is located at 767 Centre Street on the same block as Jamaica Plain's Salmagundi, a small boutique selling hats and accessories from independent designers, and Vee Vee, an American bistro featuring seasonal, local ingredients and a selection of craft beers.

For the inaugural exhibition at UFORGE Gallery, artist and gallery co-founder/owner, Rob Festa has put together his third annual JP to Me show, with the theme this year of "Defined by Light". Forty artists have been invited to participate including Boston Handmade members Jessica Burko and Lucie Wicker. The exhibition will be on view from April 3rd to the 28th, with a public reception on Saturday, April 9 from 6 – 8pm. Festa describes the annual exhibit as “all about bringing our community together.” and last year’s show titled “From Emeralds to Jewels” showed strong community support with more than 300 attendees at the reception held at the Footlight Club, a community theater just around the corner from the gallery's new home. This year’s JP to Me artists will be able to have even more attention for their work as it is available to a broader audience at the new venue, which will allow more accessibility and additional viewing hours to the public.

For more information on JP to Me visit the exhibition website and Facebook page.