Linda Williams, sole owner and operator of Chestnuts and Pearls Art Gallery in New Albany, hosted two art galleries that ended on Nov. 1. Williams developed the Fantastical and Flower Power galleries to allow artists the chance to create artwork that told a story. To obtain a spot at the Chestnuts and Pearls Art Gallery, Williams must look over artwork and decide if she sees potential.
For 13 years, the Chestnuts and Pearls Art Gallery has been a springboard for blooming local artists who want to showcase their work to the community.
“These people who have worked with me and exited here, that [the gallery] gave them the courage to go on and do bigger things in their own communities,” Williams said.
The first exhibit, Fantastical, centered around artwork depicting local folklore. This exhibit showed artwork from 15 Kentuckiana artists. The second exhibit, Flower Power, centered around the personal interpretations of the beauty, mystery, intricacy and usefulness of flowers. This exhibit was a part of the photo biennial and featured work from the women of the Louisville Photographic Society.
The Chestnuts and Pearls Art Gallery strives to support local artists from the surrounding five counties. Williams feels like local artists should not have to travel to get recognition and that a community should recognize the local people in their neighborhoods and cities. Her mission was to foster an environment where local artists could grow and develop their skills.
“I really believe in my mission to support local artists, to give them a place to hang their work, and to work with and challenge them,” Williams said. “That’s my calling…I’m just living my dream, you know?”
Besides fostering an environment for artists to showcase their work, the gallery has introduced Williams to many wonderful personalities.
“I am finding that creative people, from all the different schools of creativity, are the nicest, kindest people. We’re all so very fortunate to live in a world where creativity is such a part of our lives. It’s wonderful.”
Mark Hengartner, a New Albany artist, first heard of the gallery when he was having lunch at Cafe 157, the cafe that used to be a part of the gallery. He has now been showing his art at the gallery for two and a half years and had multiple pieces shown in the Fantastical exhibit.
“Linda [Williams] is so supportive of artists,” Henhartner said. “It [the gallery] can inspire artists to continue producing and introduce them to the process of showing professionally, and it can teach things that are not taught in schools.”
Williams encourages students to visit the gallery because it has something for everyone to enjoy. The next event being held at the gallery is “HollaDaze”, a Christmas Open House that will be open every weekend through Christmas.
The Chestnuts and Pearls Art Gallery is located 157 East Main Street New Albany, IN 47150. To learn more about upcoming exhibits, check out their Facebook page.
