{9} The Gallery is a multi-use space for arts, community, culture, and events bringing a one of a kind venue to the Grand Avenue Arts District spearheaded by Laura Dragon.
Showcasing a variety of contemporary art in all mediums, as well as handmade gifts of jewelry, handbags, and clothing set in a unique and urban space. {9} The Gallery also hosts numerous events and parties including poetry, yoga, and concerts. “My goal is to raise the bar, engaged the community and elevate awareness” states Laura Dragon, who is the owner and curator of {9} The Gallery. Dragon is an integral part of the grand avenue community, as well as an advocate for artists and the wonderful Grand Avenue arts district, working tirelessly as she continues to grow {9} The Gallery. The gallery and Dragon have been featured in numerous publications both online and in print including Java Magazine, Phoenix New Times and YabYum Music & Arts, not to mention they were just named “Best Art Gallery in Downtown” by State Press Magazine!
Embracing all arts and genres Dragon said she “created a space where young, emerging artists can learn and grow and established fine artists have a platform to launch new works and stretch the limits in their medium.” {9} The Gallery has exhibited a diverse selection of local artists including Amanda Adkins, Tato Caraveo, Aileen Frick, Jason Hugger, Lauren Lee, Tara Sharpe, Jon Wassom and Larry Willis, just to name a few.
Dragon recently switched from monthly exhibition to offering two-week exhibitions allowing for two exhibitions per month giving more artists the opportunity to showcase their work. Recently Laura Dragon and {9} The Gallery have partnered up with Tara Sharpe and the Artelshow to collaborate on exhibitions and new unique venues allowing them to branching out around the valley to further showcase local artists around the valley. Also they currently have two calls for art (all mediums welcome): “NSFW” which seeks nude figurative work deadline April 11th and “Gods & Monsters” which seeks work focusing on the artist's interpretation of gods, deities and/or monsters deadline on April 26th.
Currently featuring local artist Jon Wassom, which marks his third solo exhibition at {9} The Gallery, showcasing his latest body of work “Shapes of Humanity”. “Focuses on the figurative exploration of the symbiosis of relationships offering a diverse and inclusive depiction of the modern relational ideal with palettes that are equally broad in spectrum”, states Dragon. When asked about his work the artist says “my work depicts the human form in all of its rawness; I fabricate it in moments of clarity amongst abstract thoughts…I place it in a world of duality similar to the one I live.” Be sure to join {9} The Gallery as they host the artist reception for Jon Wassom this Saturday, February 13th from 5-7pm and “Shapes of Humanity” will be on display through February 17th.
{9} The Gallery is located at 1229 Grand Avenue Phoenix in the heart of the Grand Avenue Arts District in downtown Phoenix. Contact Dragon at (602)349-9557 for gallery hours or private appointment. Do you want to learn more about {9}The Gallery be sure to visit them online at: http://www.9thegallery.com and follow them on Instagram at @9TheGallery. *All images courtesy and copyright of {9} The Gallery.
