Side; Quest at Smalter Gallery: Recap, Review, and Images | “The artists, Justin and Aaron, emanate unrestrained authenticity…”

Once Again, We Begin With Gratitude.

We at Smalter Gallery are so grateful to everyone who made the opening reception of Side; Quest such a special event. Thank you to our returning patrons and to those of you who visited with us for the first time (we do hope you felt wrapped in a warm welcome and will return to us again).

Of course, a special thank you to our artists, Justin Canja and Aaron Howell, who inspired us with their art and who allowed us to become a part of a sacred moment in their lives as they renewed their vows during the event.

Review of Side; Quest.

More major thanks go out to Harold Smith, who was kind enough to write a recap of the event and also provide a plethora of wonderful photos.

Here is an excerpt from his article, “Art Before the Internet - Part II:”*

That is what I receive from the work of Canja and Howell. There is a sustained and sophisticated, rawness to their work, an edginess that is both alluring, intriguing, and mystifying. It has an analog texture, like movies made on film versus those made on digital. And, to me, that is what makes their art so interesting. It feels like art before the internet…

…The artists, Justin and Aaron, emanate unrestrained authenticity and it comes out in the work. If you were there as they renewed their vows (with Lee Smalter, curator, happily putting their ordination credentials to work!), then you experienced a spark of that authenticity which has become this inferno of ingenuity and inventiveness.

To read the full, unabridged article, “Art Before the Internet - Part II,” please click here.

Photos of the event, also courtesy of Harold, are below.

We hope to see you all again on September 25th for the opening of the highly anticipated solo show by Phil Dunn.

Come <3 art with us,
Team Smalter

PS: Buy art from Side; Quest here.

*Transparency Note: Article excerpt lightly edited for spacing, spelling, and pronoun adjustment. No major information was changed or artistic liberties taken.