I have relinquished my role as curator at Steven Valenti’s Clothing. It has been a great pleasure of mine to participate in the First Fridays Artswalk since it began in 2012, but with my work in high demand it is time that I focus on my own shows. As a final goodbye I am exhibiting at Valenti’s as the first artist under the new curator, Nicole Irene. So come see me off and celebrate these many years of shows! This show will be on display for the month of June with a reception this Friday, 6/7, from 5-8pm.
I am very proud to hand off curation of Steven Valenti’s Clothing to Nicole Irene. A talented artist, Nicole has displayed at Valenti’s before as well as many other venues in the FFA. I have no doubt she will bring a great lineup of artists and show their work with style and care. The location of gallery has changed, due to unforeseen circumstances, so taking over at this moment has not been easiest of transitions. Still, I have every confidence that she will make the space her own and take the gallery farther than I ever could. Good luck Nicole!
It has been a great pleasure to work with Steven Valenti’s Clothing and the FFA. I have learned a great deal from the fine staff at the store. Although I don’t sell clothing, I have learned so much about the importance of customer service when it comes to business. It is not easy, but they sure make it look that way! Valenti’s builds a relationship with everyone who comes into the store and that is how they thrive. Over and over I have seen people walk into the store and immediately greeted with a genuine interest in how they’ve been and what’s going on. I can only aspire to such levels of hospitality and kindness. The FFA has also given me a strong sense of and connection to the arts community. Seeing how exhibits were received by the public, how different artists prepared for shows, and all of the work that goes into curating has affected how I finalize my own work and the ways I display it. If you are an artist I highly recommend helping a business curate for the FFA or at least talk to the fine folks who donate their space and/or time to showing art; it will teach you more than you think.
Venue: Steven Valenti's
Where: 157 North Street, Pittsfield, MA
Dates: June 1 to June 29, 2019
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 9:30AM – 6:00PM; Thursday 9:30AM -8:00PM; and Saturday 9:30AM – 5:00PM.
Reception: Friday, June 7th from 5-8pm