Day 49 - The Art and Soul of Chelsea

Sometimes the most amazing treasure is buried in your own back yard.  Well, not even buried...actually sitting right out there and overlooked because it's just too easy to find.  My backyard in Chelsea is literally full of treasure.

I've been hearing about the art galleries in the area since I got here - some only 4 blocks away - but somehow I always seem to head out in the other direction.  Today I finally went west.  The very first gallery I found was the Walter Randel Gallery on 10th Avenue.

Walter was actually personally in the gallery today and spent some time with me explaining the history of some of the art pieces and bios of their artists.  Not only was he very sweet he was extremely knowledgeable.  He's been involved in the arts since he was a teenager - began as a sculptor, lived all over the world, gathered art collections from the most remote corners and brought all of his experience and stories right back to Chelsea.  I had such a nice time talking to him and learning more about the art on exhibit and the area.

Before I left he gave me a brochure about the Chelsea art scene and discovered there are well over 200 galleries between 10th and 11th avenue from 30th street down to 14th.  I spent the next 3 hours just wondering in and out of galleries and discovered some amazing art and artists.  And keep in mind, this is available to everyone for FREE.  Of course the galleries are there to sell the work of many talented artist to collectors that are looking to buy.  But anyone can drop in and enjoy the exhibits.

Before I headed home I got an invite from Timothy at the Axelle Fine Arts gallery for my first exhibit opening.  Very cool!