The Gallery@57 celebrates its 5th anniversary

On Friday, October 25, 2024, The Gallery@57 will celebrate its fifth anniversary, marking an important milestone for this beloved community space in Malden. But how did this journey unfold?

In the spring of 2019, nine artists, artisans and art enthusiasts gathered at the home of Malden photographer Ose Manheim to discuss a promising opportunity proposed by the City of Malden’s Business Development Director, Kevin Duffy. They were offered the chance to rent a storefront at 57 Pleasant St. Inspired by the success of a previous pop-up gallery, the group was eager to revive the sense of community and artistic beauty that had been lost.

The transformation of the space was no easy feat. The shop required major renovations, including the removal of a moldy rug and unpleasant odors, and the installation of improved lighting. With the help of donations from local businesses and the artists’ own elbow grease, the team spent months turning the rundown storefront into the gallery they had envisioned. By October 25, 2019, The Gallery@57 opened its doors, proudly showcasing the art and fine crafts of local artists for the Malden community to enjoy.

However, just five months after the grand opening the COVID-19 pandemic forced the gallery to temporarily close. Refusing to let this setback halt their progress, the artists quickly pivoted to online sales, even adapting their offerings to include couture face masks. The experience underscored that The Gallery@57 was more than just a shop – it was a vibrant community for local artists to connect, support one another and share their work with the public.

In addition to being a retail space, The Gallery@57 quickly became a cultural venue for book readings, artist demonstrations, exhibitions and live music. To support free performances at the gallery, the nonprofit Creative Malden was founded. The gallery also expanded its presence beyond the storefront, offering art classes every other Tuesday at Idle Hands Craft Ales and participating in local festivals and pop-up events, such as those at 350 Main St.

Surviving through the pandemic and navigating the challenges of today’s fast-paced retail environment has been no small task. The ongoing success of The Gallery@57 is a testament to the dedication, willpower and resilience of the volunteers who run it, as well as the unwavering support of the local community. The gallery’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how the arts and community spirit can enrich local culture, even in the most challenging times.

As The Gallery@57 celebrates its fifth anniversary, the public is invited to visit on Saturday, October 26, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm. Between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., visitors can spin a wheel for a chance to win artful prizes.