Human Scale Art Space opens permanent gallery on Main Street
The nonprofit opens a 400-square-foot gallery on Main Street with a debut exhibition by a Boston painter.
NORTHAMPTON — Human Scale Art Space, a community arts nonprofit, has opened a permanent gallery and workshop space at 245 Main Street, Suite 201, with a grand opening exhibition set for Saturday, July 11, from noon to 8 p.m. The 400-square-foot space will host exhibitions, classes, and workshops focused on visual arts.
Rick Colson, a lifelong photographer, founded the nonprofit with his wife, Marcia, nearly two years ago. He said the decision to start the organization came after personal reflection about how to spend his remaining time meaningfully. Colson holds an Ed.M from Harvard University and has spent a multi-decade career in photography with major companies before starting his own firm. "I've been a photographer my whole life. I've exhibited pretty widely," Colson said. "Photography, in particular, to me is really best served live. It's great when you actually see the quality print up close, perhaps even handle a print."
Before securing the Main Street location, Human Scale Art Space partnered with the Parlor Room and the Iron Horse to offer workshops. The new space fulfills Colson's goal of creating a dedicated exhibition venue. He said the nonprofit plans to exhibit all forms of visual art, with emphasis on photography.
The opening exhibition features work by Vartus Varadian, a Boston-based painter who transitioned from graphic design and advertising work into fine art. Varadian studied Chinese-style watercolor painting under Asian masters and now teaches the technique to cancer survivors and painting enthusiasts. "You owe it to yourself to see her fine paintings up close and in person," Colson said of Varadian's work.
All exhibitions will be free and open to the public. Human Scale Art Space plans to offer pay-what-you-can pricing for workshops and participates in the Cards to Culture program, which provides discounted admissions to EBT cardholders. For information on the upcoming exhibit, workshops, and future programming, visit humanscaleartspace.org or call 413-206-1855.
Colson said he hopes visual artists and art enthusiasts from across the region, including the Five College communities, will support the new space. He emphasized the nonprofit's commitment to serve the local arts community during challenging times for cultural institutions.