Cutler Bay has a new way of looking at things, thanks to the Outsider Gallery. The gallery, located at 20412 Old Cutler Rd., is featuring 11 Miami artists with its first opening reception on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 10 p.m.
During the gallery’s season, October to May, an opening reception will take place the first Saturday of each month. Regular hours, beginning Oct. 5, are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday
“Our name, the Outsider Gallery, comes from our culture as local artists,” said Brian Trainor, one of the artists who is coordinating the gallery. “We’re a little left of the norm. We work in a variety of mediums and styles that are sure to provide visitors with a wide-ranging cultural experience.”
The gallery will feature photographic art, mixed media, paintings, sculptures, “green” works that are made with reclaimed materials and plenty of the unexpected — art not typically seen in a traditional gallery. The group also is considered to be up-and-coming artists who hope their work not only gains exposure, but helps the community.
“We’re excited that local businesses and government agencies are showing their support and we welcome more involvement. By partnering with them, we can promote a cause with each monthly show,” Trainor said.
October’s show, “Our Abstract World,” will support the fight against breast cancer with proceeds going to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. November’s “People and Places” will help provide food to local deserving families through a communitybased food drive. December features “Do You Believe,” a throwback to the way kids played before the digital era and will include a toy drive for local families facing difficult times.
In addition, the gallery will serve as a drop off point for “Re-Book,” a mutual effort by the artists to collect gently used current elementary through high school level books that will be given a new home so that kids in the community can enjoy them. The artists also are working toward incorporating music and spoken-word art, such as poetry readings, at the gallery’s openings. Interested artists may send email to <OutsiderGallery@comcast.net>.
“As an artist, it’s important to support society in some way because society supports the arts,” said Trainor, a photographic artist who is experimenting more recently with mixed media and sculptural pieces. “Artists should make an effort to complete the circle.”
The Outsider Gallery got its start when Country I D Gold Buyers owner Maurice Rivas offered Trainor a chance to display his art. After showing some of his pieces over the summer, Trainor knew that a gallery with other talented local artists would not only be fun, but would be supported. When he approached officials at Cutler Bay Town Hall, he realized the lack of a cultural affairs department was a sign that the community desperately needed better access to cultural experiences.
“With the Outsider Gallery, I feel Cutler Bay has taken a big step toward building a more vibrant art scene in the southern section of Miami-Dade County,” he said.
More information on the gallery can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, or send email to OutsiderGallery@comcast.net
