Grand Opening Celebration, Saturday October 27 @ 4 -10 pm
By Lisa Morgan
“The World Needs Art” and Stark + Kent Galleries is doing their part to bring a very thoughtful and unique collection to ours. This brand new contemporary art gallery just recently opened their doors in May of this year in beautiful down town Palm Springs, and will be celebrating their Grand Opening, Saturday, October 27 from 4 to 10 pm. Their interactive and open arm approach to draw in artists whose work they feel is original, rings of authenticity and has a strong presence is the foundation on which they have built a truly personal gallery experience. The pieces have each been chosen to work together as a whole and to create a balanced and cohesive space. Stark + Kent is the culmination of what both men feel is a lifelong passion for creativity and artistic expression.
Co-owner, Mike Soltis, an artist himself, says that it is their joint desire to support artists so they can continue to pursue their artistic endeavors. He knows what it’s like to have to face the many closed doors in the industry and hopes to provide a more inviting forum for fellow artists. This compassion and their mission as a gallery are clearly reflected in their letter to aspiring artists on their website, starkandkent.com. It reads:
“Dear Artist, we love experiencing new art and meeting artists we’ve not seen before. So please send us a link to your website so that we can see images of your work and get a sense of who you are. We are committed to the artists we currently represent in our gallery and intentionally partner with a limited number in order to adequately support them. However, we would like to hear from you. We’re always open to considering an artist we think we can help and who would be a good fit. We would love the opportunity to showcase new and exciting work to the residents and visitors of Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities. We encourage you to continue to create, to explore and to express yourself through your work. The world needs you. – Ross and Mike”
For visitors to the gallery, Ross and Mike have created a place in which everyone from the established art collector to those with limited exposure to the arts can find something that stimulates and intrigues them. “Something transcendent happens when someone connects with a piece of art. Whether it is a painting, a sculpture, a piece of music, performance – it changes them. The hope at Stark and Kent is that visitors experience that connection. And in turn, the artists will be inspired to continue bringing to life all that is inside, because the world needs them to. The world needs art.”
Owners Ross Rhodes and Mike Soltis are ecstatic about the warm reception they’ve experienced from the City of Palm Springs, its good people and wonderful neighboring business owners and invite everyone to celebrate with them at their grand opening from 4 – 10 pm. Several of the artists whose works are displayed will be present making this a once in a lifetime opportunity for any art enthusiast. Catering will be provided by neighboring Zin American Bistro from 4-7pm. Stark + Kent Gallery is located at 192 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. For more information on the gallery, the artists and works being displayed go to www.starkandkent.com or call Mike and Ross at (760) 778-8988.
