New Neighbors: George Billis Gallery to Main Street
Gallery owner George Billis, Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe, and Second Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker at Friday's ribbon cutting ceremony. As the arts in Westport continue to flourish through the pandemic, Westport has gained the George Billis Art Gallery at 166 Main Street, across from Rye Ridge Deli.
George Billis of the George Billis GalleryThe gallery was part of New York City’s Chelsea Art District for 24 years before their move to Westport this week. Billis, a Milford resident, wanted to find a space closer to home, saying “Westport was perfect.” He is excited to show the vibrant selection of curated art to residents and add more life to the end of the street that held several vacant storefronts.
Billis also has a gallery on the West Coast, in Los Angeles’ Culver City neighborhood.
The current Invitational Exhibition will feature over 30 national and international artists presenting painting, photography, sculpture and works on paper, and was organized by Art Essex which produces invitational shows. The Juror, Lisa Cooper is a gallerist and art consultant, known within the Fairfield County artist community and owner of Elisa Contemporary Art.
Lisa Cooper took great care in selecting the artists and art for the Invitational Exhibition. She states, “I am a strong believer in the power of Art to heal and transform us. During this unprecedented time, it was wonderful to see a range of art that allowed us to travel freely...bringing us to new spaces in nature and the countryside, as well as familiar city streets and scenes. I also rejoiced in the artworks filled with light, folly and humor that created an uplifting emotion. I am thankful for all the artists who shared their creative visions for this juried exhibit” (press release)
The George Billis Gallery can be visited online, or a by visiting the Main Street exhibition space.