by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Jacksonville’s newest art gallery debuts this week at First Wednesday Art Walk. Owned and operated by artist and designer Sharla Valeski, it’s at 203 N. Laura St. in the Elks Building.
She said she thought about the name for quite a while before deciding to call her new venture “Next Gallery.” Part of her process involved peering into the future of Laura Street as a corridor for artists and art lovers.
“I was thinking about people walking down the street and saying ‘Let’s go to the next gallery’,” said Valeski.
When she began looking for a place to open a studio and exhibition space, Downtown was her first choice. When she started shopping locations, Valeski discovered her taste and comfort requirements were a little different from some other artists. While many creative types are looking for a basic, bare-bones environment, Valeski said. “First of all I’m a neatnik so a rough, raw space wouldn’t work for me. “I also have to have air conditioning. I suffer enough emotionally for my art.”
When she walked into the space at the Elks Building that was formerly the address for Tiara Shoes & Accessories, Valeski knew immediately it was the right place to open her gallery. She has also set up a studio separated by one of her original textile art creations, so Next Gallery is more than a place to display paintings.
She has also invited some of her fellow artists to display their work in the gallery.
“Jennifer Woodall will be exhibiting her paintings here and Mo Mansoor, who’s a senior at Jacksonville University and a ceramist who works exclusively in white porcelain, will also have some of her work here. We’re three artists looking for another 2-D artist,” said Valeski, who added that a fine art photographer would be the perfect complement.
In addition to original art, Next Gallery will also offer other products. Valeski said her requirement for that end of the retail business is that everything must be “handmade and one-of-a- kind.” Eventually unique products designed for the practical needs of urban dwellers will also be added, provided the products also offer aesthetic appeal.
One of the first patrons of the arts who discovered Valeski’s work was Robert Arleigh White, executive director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. He owns several of her paintings, including a collection of nine small works that are part of his office decor.
“I’m a big fan of color and she really understands how colors work together,” he said. “And I’m very excited about her new gallery. It’s a formula. If you can get artists to inhabit vacant urban spaces, they can make miracles happen. I always support more access to more art for more people.”
While Next Gallery is contributing toward creating an art district on Laura Street, the building the gallery is in already has a rich history. Designed by architect Roy Benjamin, it opened in 1926 and was a “mixed-use” development long before that term came into vogue. Retail stores were in the street-level spaces while meeting rooms, a banquet room and a ladies lounge for the Elks Lodge members’ wives occupied the second floor.
It’s actually the third Elks Building on the site at the corner of Laura and Adams streets. Founded in 1891, Lodge 221 is the oldest Elks Lodge in Florida. The original building was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1901 and its replacement was demolished in 1925 to make way for the current Mediterranean Revival-style structure.
One of Downtown’s most historic structures, the Elks Building opened in 1926. It’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Cynthia Neal, Elks Building property manager, said the mix of tenants has become a “community of boutique businesses.” It’s home to several firms that revolve around creativity including architecture and advertising in addition to artists.
“We’re proud to be able to help enhance the fabric of Downtown,” said Neal. She is talking to several other artists who are interested in working and exhibiting in the building.
“Some of our spaces have 20-foot ceilings and the original brick is exposed. It’s also air conditioned. That’s important to protect artwork,” she added.
Neal said she invites artists, gallery entrepreneurs and other businesses looking for a new home to call her at 312-401-7277 for a tour of the building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
356-2466