Royal Oak gains a new art appreciation outlet with the opening of 822 Gallery this Saturday.
Besides being a place to find "sophisticated and refined works" in mixed media by local and national artists, 822 Gallery wants to bring together the arts and fashion community, says Laura Deljanin, an artist and a fashion and art curator for the gallery, which is located at 822 11 Mile Road.
"We want to be inclusive and supportive," she says, ticking off names of other local artists and galleries. "It's for the success of all of us. We're so much stronger together."
She is helping organize this Saturday's grand opening, which starts with a Royal Oak galleries crawl from 5-8pm and ends with an afterglow at 822 Gallery, where the first of what is expected to be monthly events will be hosted. The fall-themed grand opening will feature a fashion show and art exhibit of many kinds of work and music by Royal Oak band, Michigan Basement Trio. A live art painting will be auctioned as well.
"This will be a chance to enjoy the beautiful autumnal shades of Michigan and catch a great event supporting local artists," she says. "The gallery’s focus is to contribute to the enhancement of art awareness for the community."
822 Gallery is owned by partners Roger Mason, an artist with a contemporary and whimsical style, and Dr. Douglas Nyquist. Mason, who will run the gallery, has a studio in South Haven and the vision is to showcase only original art and to promote art in general
Mason and Del will decide which works go on display, and eventually the gallery, which will be opened Tuesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., will have studio spaces, Deljanin says.
"Both of us being artists we have a very acute eye of what we're looking for. We want refined and sophisticated art," she says. We're not just accepting anything. it has to be special….We want to try and get people excited about art and fashion.
Source: Laura Deljanin, curator, 822 Gallery
Writer: Kim North Shine
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