A new art space is scheduled to open soon in downtown Asheville. Momentum Gallery will feature contemporary painting, prints, and sculpture in a 4,000 square foot space, formerly housing the B&J Department Store.
The proprietor is Jordan Ahlers, a long-time local art professional well known to artists and collectors alike. Ahlers has developed a strong relationship with southeastern artists over the last two decades and will show a select group of talent, curated from across the country.
Featured artists will include painters Michael Barringer, Mariella Bisson, and Drew Galloway; trompe l’oeil master Ron Isaacs; sculptors Lisa Clague and Hoss Haley; glass artists Thor and Jennifer Bueno; printmakers Andy Farkas and Maltby Sykes (1911-1992); and ceramist Vicki Grant. Additional mixed media artists include Crystal Gregory and Samantha Bates.
“I’m thrilled with the caliber of artists coming aboard, many of whom are already well known by collectors,” said Ahlers. “I’m enthusiastic about introducing some dynamic, emerging artists to this community that has been so receptive and supportive over the years,” he added.
Momentum Gallery is located at 24 North Lexington Avenue and is scheduled to open in late September. Public hours are 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday and Sunday noon-5pm. A Grand Opening is scheduled for Thursday, October 19th from 5-8pm, and is free and open to the public.
The professional staff at Momentum Gallery will provide services to private, corporate, and institutional collectors. Consulting services include artwork selection, placement, and installation within a 250 mile radius. Private commissions can also be arranged. Momentum Gallery will feature their artists at national art fairs, and online at www.momentumgallery.com .
Jordan Ahlers served as Director of Blue Spiral 1 Gallery for 18 years, where he curated numerous nationally-recognized exhibitions. Through his advocacy and mentoring, a number of the area’s most successful artists have been placed in top public and private collections. Opening Momentum Gallery has been a long-term goal and is made possible by support of the community.
“Asheville is widely-renowned as a destination for arts and crafts. As the area continues to enjoy a period of growth and prosperity, I am so excited to present another first-rate venue to experience visual arts from both within and outside the region,” said Ahlers. “Momentum Gallery looks forward to being an active and vital part of the community,” he added.
Joining Ahlers are art consultants, Karen Groce and Ross Randall, both of whom had successful art advocacy careers in Washington D.C. and New York before joining the Asheville gallery scene last year.