Rebecca Chamberlain at The Judi Rotenberg Gallery 10/15/09

Let me start off by saying that I really like everything about this gallery.  To borrow an old soccer adage, this is where I broke my duck, so to speak.   As the first Newbury St. gallery I ever visited, I instantly felt comfortable walking up the curved stairs to the entrance.  I have always enjoyed the openings and showings here and have only been made to feel welcome.

Last night was an excellent opening for art admirers of all levels.  I thought that Rebecca's exhibition was easy to take in and enjoy at my own pace.  I made my laps around the two rooms, eaves dropping at times, on some of the numerous conversations going on around me.  It was louder than other openings I had been to, despite the crowd being much smaller, but it was a good noise lacking the pretension you might expect at a show of this quality.  There was lively discussion and laughter giving off a friendly feeling to this show as soon as you walked in.  The crowd ranged in age, and style, but it all seemed to blend together nicely.

I was able to have a nice conversation with a gallery intern.  She was very happy working here, and it showed in her demeanor.  Despite the buzz going on all around and the many requests for wine, she made time to talk with me about this and that.  She was genuinely interested in me as a visitor and what I had to say about the works on display, regardless of my lack of artistic knowledge.

I highly recommend visiting this space whenever you get the chance - I often just pop in on my lunch break, poke around, and leave.  This may be one of the least intimidating spaces you will find in the area.

http://judirotenberg.com/

130 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116

617+437+1518 

  

CO\SO

The other day I was able to make it to The Copley Society after work. 

I had been interested in visiting this gallery for a long time.  The  view from the sidewalk allows you to see most of what is going on in the main room and if you approach the entrance, you can get a peek of what is on display on the lower level.  This gallery always seems to have an event or showing going on when I walk by.  According to their website:
          The gallery hosts between 15 and 20 exhibitions each year, including solo exhibitions,    
     thematic group shows, juried competitions, and fundraising events.

The space itself was very simple - a long, rectanguar room on the second floor stretched back from the entrance.I was able to walk in and around without being greeted or disturbed, even after I had made my way to the assistant's desk at the back.  There was nothing about the room that detracted from the artwork.  On the other hand, there was not much in the way of unique character to the gallery which seemed intentionally left up to the featured artists and their exhibits.  I started with a neutral feel about the gallery at first.  This place was ideal for a quick poke-around after a rough day of work when I might not be so eager to interact with people.  When I did try to initiate a basic conversation about upcoming events, the website, and such, I found it hard to draw out much information.  I got the feeling that I was being a nuisance, asking novice questions about Co\So and quickly decided I could get what I needed from the website [ http://www.copleysociety.org/ ]

In back was a very small, secondary gallery.  Inside, I managed to have an excellent conversation with a former member about the attitude of galleries in general.  She was an former member of Co\So and knew to visit often.  We agreed that there was a general sense of mystery and intimidation surrounding the numerous galleries on Newbury St. and that the greater public might very well benefit from an easy sight from where to get information on openings, times, locations, etc.  Our all-to-brief exchange left me eager to spend more time on developing this blog.

I look forward to spending more time looking through the website and its extensive directory of artists.  This gallery will make for an excellet escape from the mental strain of the oncoming winter and holiday season.  I would definitely recommend researching Co\So for upcoming shows and events, or just pop in for a look-around.  This is not a gallery to pass up if you find yourself in the area.

 If you are curious about joing the society, the website is an excellent place to start:[ http://www.copleysociety.org/join/detail/artistMember.html ]


Hours:
Tues-Sat 11:00-6:00, Sunday 12:00-5:00
Closed Monday (open by appointment)

(617) 536-5049

Directions: To 158 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116