The 2013 Year in Review

By Courtney McKenna

What a way to ring in 40 years! We’ve had an incredible, fun-filled year, which would not have been possible without the gracious support of so many. So cheers to you! 

Here’s 2013 in a nutshell…

Rodel Treggiari, Kristina Barney, a friend, and Fran Brown.

5th Annual Family Potluck

Old friends were reunited and new friendships were formed as we gathered around a plethora of delicious food.

10 Gallery Exhibits 

2013 was a great year for Gateway artists, whose work appeared  in the Gateway Gallery and three outside exhibition spaces. 

Our first off-site exhibition of 2013 was in Drive-By Projects, where you may not always have time to drop in, but always enough to drive by! Owned and operated by Beth Kantrowitz and Kathleen O’Hara, Drive-By is a small space committed to exhibiting provocative work in its storefront windows and small gallery. This innovative space had Gateway work on view during Gateway Arts Presents and in the DBP Annual Holiday Sale. 

A selection of the work on view at the Waterworks Museum.

The Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill hosted Opening Doors: 40 Years of Gateway Arts, an exhibit of paintings on the subject of water, in conjunction with our 40^th Anniversary Gala. These large-scale, beautiful works were such a hit that half the catalog was sold during the gala.   

Each winter, Gateway is approached to create 40 canvas paintings for Barney's NY in Copley Square. This year was no different, as forty artists illustrated the New York City skyline in expressive urban landscapes and busy city sidewalks. 

And of course we had our own exhibits right here in the Gateway Gallery: Then and Now, Flowers: A Benefit Exhibition, Ray Salter: Portraits, Summer Salon, Opening Doors, The Work of Paul Stevenson, and Cash and Carry. 

View more exhibit images on our Facebook Page.

Pat Cameron with her daughter, Beth Knipstien, at the reception for Then and Now. 

Toast to Gateway 

Artist Jeffrey Crocket lifts his glass at  Toast to Gateway.

Toast to Gateway was the kick-off fundraising event for our 40th Anniversary celebration, featuring a 100-piece collection of artwork by Gateway artists and staff titled Flowers. Robin’s Candy of Boston brought a variety of chocolate candy, which paired perfectly with the bubbly and festive mood. Three cheers to Gateway! View pictures from the event. 

3 Holiday Parties 

There's not much that can compare to a Gateway holiday party. In 2013, artists and staff came together to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and the winter holiday season. We sure know how to celebrate; the merriment always includes costumes, food, performance, dancing, and singing.

The Halloween Party starts with a costume parade and ends in a dance party. From left to right: Maria Field, Carl Phillips, Kristina Barney, and Alison Doucette.

Artist Donna Johnson paints in her UTL studio.

Up the Ladder Launch

Thanks in part to the Shapiro Family Foundation, 21 Gateway artists have been given specialized career development with the launch of the Up the Ladder project. Working in small groups to allow greater focus and minimum distraction, these artists have been given access to individualized support from Gateway's staff of professional artists. Staff members instill in these artists an understanding of their creative practice and how to turn it into a real career option.  

Project director Courtney McKenna is working one-on-one with each individual to develop an artist statement and professional resume, while portfolio director Gary Batty photographs finished work to build their digital portfolios. McKenna and Batty's work will facilitate the mainstream art world's access to the inventory of these 21 artists, opening their careers to added exhibition possibilities. Field trips to museums and galleries have allowed our artist to gain exposure to a wider breadth of contemporary artwork, including the work of artist Barry Magee.

The Gateway Players present Anne of Green Gables 

The Gateway Players with director Nancy Ames

In June, the Gateway Players presented their stunning adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. Directed by Drama Facilitator Nancy Ames, the Players spent a year hard at work building and painting sets, constructing costumes, and, most importantly, learning their lines. Family members and friends joined us to watch the magic unfold! 

Summer Sidewalk Sale

On July 13^th, our Summer Sale started with a bang! The sidewalks were filled with jewelry, ceramics, wearable art, toys, woven rugs, cards, hand painted furniture, and more. Inside, the store and gallery were brimming with one-of-a-kind wonders. To promote the event, Melanie Bernier and Peaches David Goodrich created our first commercial with the song "40 Summers" by Tommy Guerrero.

Gallerists Lisa Tung, Kathleen O’Hara, and Beth Kantrowitz at the 40^th Gala.

40^th Anniversary Gala

After 40 years creating careers in art, Gateway threw a Gala! Held in Boston's historic Waterworks Museum, the event was a wonderful retrospective of Gateway artists and the livelihoods they carved out in our studios. Artists, staff, advisory committee members, and supporters were all honored for their hard work. The flooding of support was an energetic reminder of the care Gateway Arts receives from our community. Thank you, everyone! View pictures from the event. 

Holiday Fair 

The 40th Annual Holiday fair was a delightful time! Again, under the direction of Melanie Bernier, Peaches David Goodrich, and Natalie Minik, we created a charming promotional video to get the word out. Local jazz band Stoli delighted shoppers and snackers upstairs, while holiday tunes rang throughout our bottom floor. Other highlights include our first-ever customized Keds sneaker display and our 2nd annual Fabric Studio ornament display. View pictures from the event.

Successful Fundraising Campaign

With the help gracious aid of our supporters, Gateway exceeded the $300,000 fundraising goal for a grand total of $501,050. Thank you for attending our opening receptions, coming to family potlucks, shopping in our craft store and, most of all, for being you!

Artist Charlene Murphy with our fundraising thermometer at the beginning of the campaign