The QArts Gallery celebrates its first anniversary this month and this reporter had the pleasure of speaking with Linda Santoro, their Program and Outreach Coordinator.  

Linda described that their first exhibit was only one year ago this month. It was a members’ show featuring over 100 pieces of artwork in all mediums. “Today, our members continue to from all ethnic backgrounds, and they display their work based on those origins as well as trying new techniques as they grow,” she said. 

Linda was thrilled to tell me about the amazing show currently at the Gallery “displaying beautiful brushstrokes in a whimsical and striking form”. Tsun Ming Chmielinski is the centerpiece artist and her show is called “A Colorful Journey”. Her specialty is sumi-e paintings, though Tsun has also included oil, acrylic, and pastel works in her exhibit. Originally showcased in early September, her exhibition will continue until October 30th. Linda explained, “The QArts Gallery’s support of Tsun Ming and her artwork, provides a space for further inclusion in the world of art and representation of art forms whose roots lie deep in the past.”

  The QArts Gallery shows many different artists. The Tsun Ming show adds to the representation of different culture’s artforms. Linda gave insight into the diversity of the gallery’s collection. “Quincy is a very diverse city and our downtown location has brought many newcomers into our gallery. Generally, our exhibits are based on several artists who have large bodies of work, but mostly we like to give as many members a chance to exhibit. We do have themes, such as one coming up in November and December, called “Small Works” offering affordable pieces that the public can purchase for holiday gifts and for themselves.”  

Linda said that the future looks promising for the gallery, as it’s the only one in the city that encompasses all forms of art as well as an artisan component featuring handmade pottery, jewelry, notecards, craft items along with racks and racks of affordable prints by our members. “The gallery’s focus on covering different forms of art from different artists and cultures allows the public to learn so much more about other forms of expression.”

The gallery’s beginning is recent and ever growing as they continue to broaden membership and support. Linda spoke about the history of the gallery and the QAA. “The Quincy Art Association, which has been in existence since 1979 was holding classes and demos at our home base at  26 High School Avenue, Quincy. We asked the Mayor of Quincy, Tom Koch, if there was any vacant buildings that we could use for an art gallery.” He generously responded and provided a 2,000 sq. feet space which is the QArts Gallery today. Previously members only had a handful of opportunities to display their works throughout the year.

Linda is looking to integrate more artists to increase diversity. “Our membership has increased exponentially by curious visitors who more than likely turn out to be artists,” she said. “We’ve featured a solo exhibit in May, by Marco Vizcarra, from Peru. We featured an Indian Henna Tattoo demonstration by Prachi Bansal, a native of India.” The possibilities for the incorporation of different artists, artforms, and cultures are endless.”

Linda invites everyone to come to the gallery to see how Chmielinski’s work demonstrates the tradition of sumi-e in black ink and handmade paper, monochrome and sometimes the depiction of different scenery. She said, “Its trademark is that of simplicity and careful brushwork. Its origins date back to the fourteenth century when Zen Buddhist monks from China introduced this art-style to Japan. From there, the brushstrokes became more simplistic, and the art was sometimes combined with poetry. The quality of the line is the name of the game with this style and, done with such poise, it’s depth of expression is bottomless, focused on painting whimsically. A sense of adventure and fun has emerged. I feel that the COVID lock-down has reconnected me with an inner calling to play.”

With the Quincy Art Association’s desire to display different artists from different backgrounds and artistic styles, there will surely be so much more to view as time goes on at the QArts Gallery. There are so many different cultures expressed through painting, drawing, sculpting and other art forms. The opportunities to enjoy, share, and learn are endless. Amazing shows like this current Chmielinski exhibition are so exciting to take in and must not be missed.

The QArts Gallery is located at 1229 Hancock St in Quincy