The Happening Gallery Fine Art Soirée
by Carolyn Blais April 22 2010
Saturday, April 18, I went back to The Happening Gallery after having been there last month for its first ever opening reception. And no, my return this month had nothing to do with the free wine; it was the art that really interested me.
Because the opening reception last month was so crowded I was unable to meet and chat with The Happening Gallery’s owner, Natalie Gray, but this time I was determined to make it a point to do so.
Gray, an artist herself, has paintings of her own on display which I was delighted to survey. One piece in particular speaks to me...“Dreamweaver” an array of the prettiest combination of pink, purple and green splotches that seem to move across the canvas in a cloud like motion, yes like something out of a dream.
The Happening Gallery Grand Opening
photo of Natalie Gray by Bona Hong
by Carolyn Blais March 20 2010
The Happening Gallery certainly lived up to its name during its grand opening celebration on Saturday night, March 27th. The little gallery located on Lincoln Blvd in Marina del Rey was packed full of wide eyed spectators, each with a hankering for some fine, fine art. Thankfully, they were in luck as there was no shortage of amazing art work happening at The Happening Gallery.
Founder of The Happening Gallery, Natalie Gray, sought to create a “wonderful place for artists and art lovers alike, a museum-like space with a friendly attitude.” See for yourself if she succeeded but I’ll give you a hint: she did!
Miss Outta Space by Natalie Gray
Dreamweaver by Natalie Gray
Gray explains her process: “I literally just layer the paint, working only on impulse, NOT BRAIN!, sometimes over several weeks or months, working a little each day.” It is in this very organic way that an image starts to then evolve. I always wonder, especially in abstract art, how the artist knows exactly when the work is complete. For Gray it is simple: “I can tell by my breath when it’s done, I breathe easier and just ‘know’ that it’s done.” Though nowhere as talented as Gray, I can relate as I’m about to breath easier by finishing this piece and making my deadline.
Artist / Owner, Natalie Gray
In Dec 2010 Natalie was the featured artist in both California Contemporary Art Magazine and American Contemporary Art Magazine. Read the full article here! Natalie and her art have been featured four times in FORTH Magazine, the cutting edge publication on arts & literature in Los Angeles. She has also graced the cover of Ottawa Life Magazine
Her work has been exhibited at the Frank Geary designed Edgemar Center For The Arts in Santa Monica, as well as HBO and FOX Studios where her work replaced the Hammer Museum Exhibit, and she has made television appearances as an artist on MTV, CBC, The Jerry Lewis Telethon and Style Network
ARTIST &
COMEDIAN