A home for art

It's not the British Museum. It's not the Louve. It's not even The Rooms. It's 74 Quidi Vidi Rd., home to the city's newest art gallery, and to Vanessa Mary Wade, its creator.

Wade has made her second-floor apartment a place where artists can display their work, officially opening her doors to the public on May 23. The gallery is available to anyone who wants to exhibit their work, but Wade says it's a good opportunity for less experienced artists who are too intimidated to show their art to a bigger audience.

"I kind of want it to help people who haven't done a show before," she said. "To help them get a foot in the door, even if it's a small show in an apartment."

Opening night featured work by Teri Tulk, the first time she let the public see her paintings. She took up art after her four-year-old son was diagnosed with autism. Tulk spends four hours a day at home supervising her son's therapy.

"It gives me a little more confidence," said Tulk, who sold three of her pieces on opening night. "It introduces me to the art world and what to expect. It's kind of down low, but out there at the same time.

"I just picked it up as a hobby. It's not something I was trained to do, so to have stuff out there is pretty interesting."

Tulk added she was nervous to show people her work, something Wade said is common among new artists.

"I know so many people who are interested but they feel intimidated," she said. "I have a lot of friends who are still really shy about their work."

Tracy Bishop's art was also hung on Wade's livingroom wall for the public to see. The graduate of Anna Templeton Centre's textile program said it gave her an opportunity to get back into the art world after taking a year-and-a-half off to attend MUN.

"It gives young artists exposure," Bishop said. "Other than this there isn't really a place where young artists can show their work."

Wade said she's proud her idea helped local artists get exposure and earn some money doing what they love.

"That's the best thing," she said. "Especially since they were nervous about some of the pieces, and those were the ones that were sold."

The opening night was as much a party as it was an exhibition. Wade said the social factor of an apartment gallery is very important, because it gives artists a chance to meet and network. Wade pointed out that she and Tulk hadn't met until opening night.

"The thing with the apartment is it's an apartment, so it's a bit of a kitchen party too, a social gathering," she said. "They'll be able to meet other young artists, some older ones, they'll be able to make connections, and some friends as well. That's what I hope to see."

Wade said she hasn't decided on times when the general public can stop by the see the work. Eventually she'd like to move the gallery to bigger venues than her small apartment, and has gotten some offers from bars downtown. She and a friend also are planning to set up a youth artists' network, where emerging visual artists can get information on things such as CV writing and grant proposals.

"I love being around the public, talking about different things," said Wade. "For most of us, (art) is not going to be a full-time job, but you still want it to be a part of your life. I know I do."