Paintings and sculptures by Michelle Soslau, which employ a variety of media, require a stretch of the viewer's imagination for interpretation. Her work is diverse, from floor-to-ceiling columns of plywood covered in shiny aluminum to abstract, dreamy watercolors with an iridescent sensuality.
Deborah Dorn's linocut prints are realistic landscapes and still lifes that elicit a sense of timelessness. In one a tropical bird perched on a branch that hangs over a table set with wine glasses, a decanter and fruit is enhanced by contrasting shades of red and black.
The December group exhibition, which includes photographs, ceramics and masks, has an added feature: holiday gifts such as hand-crafted jewelry.
McGalliard stumbled upon the renovated farmhouse while helping a friend move into another business nearby. She said she knew immediately that this was the place to establish her art gallery, which recently celebrated its first anniversary.
The first floor is a natural-foods store. McGalliard occupies the second floor and a third-floor alcove. The interior of the gallery is modern and pristine. The floors are covered in light green carpet, the walls are white, and the furnishings are spare and dramatic.
With her pet parrot Moe on her shoulder, McGalliard, who has lived in the Norristown area most of her life, talked about how she started the gallery with an idea and an initial investment of $2,000.
"I always thought having a gallery would be neat. When I saw this space, I fell in love with it," said McGalliard, who received her bachelor of fine arts degree in photography from the Philadelphia College of Art.
