Gallery Z Turns 13! We are excited to share OUR STORY!
Press Release February 2014
The History of Gallery Z and the Birth of Studio Z
Gallery Z has been increasingly success- ful since its inception in January of 2001, constantly-transforming itself and expand- ing from its origins. We’d like to share its’ long and varied history with you.
CHAPTER 1: BEFORE THE GALLERY Bérge Ara Zobian
The story of Gallery/Studio Z originates with founder Bérge Zobian’s own story, in Syria, where he was born. Of Armenian descent, this budding artist grew up in Lebanon. He moved to Queens, New York, with his family in 1971 at the age of 14, where Bérge finished high school. He went on to study Photography and Sociology at Queens College and then the School of Visual Arts. He completed his schooling at Rhode Island College where he earned his BA and MS degrees.
40+ Years of Bérge Ara Zobian Photography
Berge gained his early experience photo- graphing events in New York and went on to travel the world nationally as a stringer for The Associated Press. He covered a range of subjects including social, political, and religious events for various newspa- pers and magazines.
By the mid 1980’s, Bérge was immersed in the Providence community, teaching at Rhode Island College and becoming in- volved in the vibrant local Armenian com- munity Rhode Island offers. He established his name as a photographer by opening his own studio on Providence’s West side, where he specialized in headshots, fashion, advertising, and editorial photography. One glance at a Berge’s prolific body of work shows the quality, care and artistry upon which he has built his reputation.
Berge Photographer of People and Fashion Every month for seventeen years, Bérge
30 | Rhode Island Creative Magazine
had dedicated himself to curating and introducing new artists to local businesses such as the Providence Marriott, Palmieri’s, Catering on Broadway, Leon’s on the West Side, Christian Hair Salon, and six Peaberry Café locations throughout Rhode Island. His intention has always been to expand interest in Fine Art throughout the com- munity. After years of such curatorial work, Bérge decided in 2000 to open his own iconic art gallery.
CHAPTER 2: THE OPENING OF GALLERY Z A Fine Art Gallery
After conducting about a year of research, in January 2001, Bérge was ready to open his gallery in the same building as his pho- tography studio in the Olneyville section of Providence. His initial exhibitions were praised by former Providence Journal art critic, Channing Gray. But while Gray’s re- view raved about the artwork, he wrote one statement that confused the public, namely that the gallery was “a hole in the wall.” Many people saw this as a negative criti- cism, yet it was actually quite the opposite. Long before SoHo in Manhattan went on to establish itself as a major gallery district in NYC, it was full of many so-called “holes-in- the-walls”, exhibiting universally acclaimed contemporary Fine Art. Encouraged by the positive reactions to his exhibitions, about two years and two dozen exhibitions later, Bérge was ready to expand and enhance the Gallery Z experience.
After generating increasing interest from artists, in 2003 Bérge took a risk and moved his gallery to a new neighborhood: the Historic Federal Hill district in Providence, next door to the landmark Scialo Brothers Bakery. After extensive remodeling, Gallery Z was finally launched in its bustling new environment. This move was somewhat of a gamble; Federal Hill has always been known for food, music, and wine, but Fine Art was a new type of experience for visi- tors to Atwells Avenue.
Thanks to Berge’s relentless promotional efforts, Gallery Z soon became the forerun- ner in the revitalization of the Federal Hill area, paving the way for numerous other galleries that arrived later along the street. Gallery Z added the one final element that had been missing from “The Hill”—The Fine Art Culture. At first the neighbor- ing small business owners were skeptical about this new enterprise, but they soon accepted Gallery Z and became positive supporters, realizing that it brought still an- other audience of interested customers to the location. In 2011, Gallery Z celebrated the twin milestones of ten years in busi- ness and its 100th exhibition. While these markers were an outstanding achievement, Bérge refused to stop there.
CHAPTER 3: THE PUBLIC ART WINDOW Art for a Cause
Beginning in November of 2003, on the last Thursday of every month, Gallery Z began supporting worthy community causes by offering local non-profit organizations a unique fundraising venue. Currently, Gal- lery Z has relinquished exhibit space in one of its four windows and devoted it to the display of Public Art. The aim is to increase public awareness for the organization, while providing a reception and exhibit space during the “Art, Food & Wine-- Creat- ing Awareness for a Cause” promotion.
CHAPTER 4: THE GALLERY Z ARTMOBILE Bringing Art to the People
On February 16th, 2012, Gallery Z hosted the official unveiling of “Moby”, the Gallery Z ArtMobile. Over 200 guests, including several public figures, attended this event.
The ArtMobile is a moveable display vehicle that was custom made from a retired, ten-year-old FedEx truck. Its’ aim is to bring visual arts as well as performance art, film projection, and installation art to people who might not normally have the oppor- tunity to visit a gallery or museum. This includes but is not limited to: Public and pri-
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