For more than two decades, our gallery calendar has been punctuated by one tradition we never tire of: the thematic group show. At least once a year, we set aside our usual programming to rally artists around a single idea—sometimes familiar, sometimes unexpected, always an invitation to stretch creatively. These exhibitions have become a cornerstone of who we are, giving both our artists and our collectors a chance to see what happens when imagination meets a shared prompt.
This month, we’re continuing that legacy with “From the Pages,” a collection of paintings inspired by books. Literature has always sparked the visual arts, but what makes this show especially exciting is the way it opens our doors a little wider. Themes like this allow us to invite artists beyond our typical in-gallery family, bringing fresh perspectives into the conversation. The result is often surprising—artists interpreting beloved stories, forgotten passages, or even the emotional aftertaste of a novel in ways that feel entirely new.
Of course, not every theme needs to be elaborate to be effective. Some, like our recurring “Small Works” exhibitions, are straightforward but deeply rewarding. There’s something compelling about asking artists to distill their voice into a more intimate scale; collectors love the accessibility, and the work often carries an intensity that proves size has little to do with impact.
Still, we’ve always enjoyed pushing a little further—finding concepts that challenge artists to think differently and, ideally, have some fun in the process.
One of our most memorable shows struck a chord—literally. “Playing Favorites” invited artists to create a painting based on a song that meant something to them. The range was extraordinary: nostalgic ballads translated into quiet, atmospheric landscapes; high-energy tracks reborn as bold, kinetic compositions. To complete the experience, we assembled a killer playlist so visitors could hear the music that sparked each piece. It turned the exhibition into something immersive, a reminder that inspiration rarely stays confined to a single medium.
Then there was “Women Painting Women,” hosted back in 2009. What began as a focused idea quickly grew into something far larger—a sweeping celebration of female painters from across the country. The exhibition carried a sense of importance from the moment the work started arriving. Powerful, nuanced, and technically masterful, it had the presence of a museum-worthy show and remains one of the proudest moments in our history.
Our realist exhibitions also hold a special place in our memory. “Fool Me Once,” followed years later by “Fool Me Twice,” brought together some of the finest representational painters working today. We challenged them to lean all the way into their craft, producing paintings of astonishing precision and subtlety. Visitors often found themselves stepping closer and closer, compelled to examine every detail. These were shows that celebrated patience, discipline, and the quiet thrill of technical excellence.
But if we’re being honest, our personal favorites might just be the versus exhibitions. There’s an undeniable energy that comes from a good-natured rivalry. North vs South. Yellow vs Blue. Cats vs Dogs. Each one transformed the gallery into a lively visual debate, with artists picking sides and collectors eagerly declaring their allegiances. These shows reminded us that art can be both serious and playful—that conversation and even a little competition can deepen the way we engage with what’s on the walls.
Looking back, these thematic exhibitions tell the story of a gallery willing to experiment, to celebrate community, and to continually rediscover the joy of creative risk. They’ve introduced us to new artists, challenged longtime collaborators, and given our audience fresh ways to experience art year after year.
And that’s really the point.
A great theme does more than organize an exhibition—it sparks possibility. It asks artists to respond, reinterpret, and sometimes surprise even themselves. After twenty years, we’re still chasing that moment when a simple idea turns into something unforgettable.
With “From the Pages,” we’re turning the page once again, eager to see where the next chapter leads.
