In a recent article for anewscafe.com, “Bechelli Goes Bohemian: Redding’s Arty East Side,” I proclaimed Bechelli Lane “Redding’s East Side Arts District.” I will never revoke Bechelli’s designation, but now the Hilltop district is giving Bechelli a run for her money.
This Saturday, photographer Dennis Halkides (oh yah, he’s also a partner in the law firm Halkides, Morgan and Kelley) celebrates the grand opening of his new Gallery833.
It’s a good thing that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, because Gallery833 is 833 degrees from bohemian. And unlike the spaces on my Redding art space favorites list, 833 is all about the art – no studio space, framing or music here.
“I wanted to have a space without congestion or clutter,” says Dennis, whose dramatic, large-scale travel photographs (they’re gorgeous, by the way) are featured not-so-peripherally on the gallery’s peripheral walls.
But far from the “Dennis Show,” Gallery833 provides equal panel and pedestal time for a diverse who’s who of local creative types: sculptor Lucias Upshaw, glass goddess Jan Scanlin, mixed media sculptor Dave Alred, metal-maestro John Streeby, and ceramicist Paul “Palul” Rideout.
And every other month, the gallery’s spotlights will shine on a featured guest artist. The coveted spot is currently occupied by painter Mike Morgan.
Dennis admits that before he started the gallery, his office, which shares 833’s sophisticated aesthetic, was getting a bit crowded. “I put pictures everywhere,” he jokes. Now his photos — which have come a long way since the first shots he took in high school, of accidents on L.A.’s Hollywood Freeway — have a new, perfectly lit, custom home.
I’m a big fan of bohemian, so I was admittedly a bit intimidated by Gallery833’s formality. But I hung out for awhile and appreciated Dennis’ vision to elevate the work of the North State’s under-appreciated artists.
In the words of 20th century author Djuna Barnes, “Isn’t Bohemia a place where everyone is as good as everyone else?” In this spirit, I encourage you to check out Gallery833 and welcome Dennis to the tapestry.
You’re invited to the grand opening of Gallery833, this Saturday, Sept. 11, 6 to 9 PM, during Redding’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop. Gallery833 is at 833 Mistletoe Lane, west of Hilltop Drive. Gallery hours TBA. For more information about Dennis Halkides (his artistic side), visit dennishalkides.com. Click here for ArtHop maps and information.
Adam Mankoski is a recent North State transplant who feels completely at home here. He enjoys experiencing and writing about the people, places and things that embody the free spirit of the State of Jefferson. He and his partner own HawkMan Studios and are the creators of Redding’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop. Email your NorthState weekend events to adamm.anewscafe@gmail.com.
