Visionspace Gallery to host new exhibitions, receptions

LYNN – Every month, a new crop of talented local artists finds its way in and out of Centerboard’s Visionspace Gallery in downtown Lynn – bringing more than just a brush of cultural influence with it.The latest exhibition of travel photography, “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” will open with a reception tonight. Featured artists include Sara Engel, Dani Shirtcliff and Edward Chrisom. The event, running from 6 to 9 p.m., will feature light fare and refreshments.On Dec. 13, also from 6 to 9 p.m., the gallery will host its second annual art show for the holidays, “Benjamin Loves Santa 2,” featuring a variety of works for sale, all for $100. Both events are free and open to the public.”It’s a unique, fun experience,” said Carla Scheri, Centerboard’s special projects coordinator. “We encourage people to come over and visit the gallery, mingle and enjoy a nice dinner in the neighborhood.”Scheri hopes to book disk jockeys for future events to encourage guests to linger for the duration of the evening.The gallery held its first reception in July 2012. Last year, artist Adam Miller, a graduate of Montserrat College of Art, came on board as the gallery director and organized 10 shows.”Adam’s done a tremendous job pulling in artists and bringing in some really amazing work,” said Scheri.Another 10 shows are planned for 2015, starting in March, when Visionspace unveils its newly renovated and expanded gallery, which will still be located at 16 City Hall Square.”We believe that access to art and cultural events helps to strengthen communities, inspire residents and support hard working artists,” said Centerboard CEO Mark DeJoie, who has made it part of the organization’s mission to contribute to Lynn’s creative economy.Outside of the gallery, Centerboard’s public art projects have focused on improving the downtown cityscape. Central Square has been a main focus of public art placement, with installments of 8×10-foot photographs on the side of the MBTA bridge. For the current placement, “Ghosts of Lynn,” Visionspace collaborated with RAW Art Works and the Lynn Museum to create a series of photos that merge Lynn’s past with its present.Visionspace also recently collaborated with the MBTA and artist Jason Cruz to create ART WAY, an installation along the Union Street tunnel designed to engage the public with vivid art. Visionspace received a grant from the New England Foundation for the Arts and utilized the funding to create and install the project with the help of local artists and vendors.