The Schrage Gallery Opening

Welcome to the gallery!

There are moments in life that feel like they’ve been quietly building for a long time. Layer by layer, piece by piece, and lots (lots!) of prayer. Opening the doors to this new studio and gallery space is one of those moments. In December, I celebrated 10 years since I left my underwriting position to pursue an art career. It’s been a wild ride, but hind sight is always 20/20 and I can see now how God has lead me through it, one step at a time. And now, we are officially opening the doors to The Schrage Gallery.

In today’s fast paced, technology driven world, I wanted a space where we could connect face to face. I wanted to be able to talk in-person about what’s behind the art, see the textures and layers in person and share your stories of what connects you to the art and the meaning behind it. Art fairs have provided a great avenue for that connection, but I wanted something a bit more permanent for in between shows. It’s one of those dreams that you think…….can this really happen though?

There were plenty of times doubt crept in through failed launches, art fairs that didn’t go as hoped, and the slow, sometimes discouraging pace of growing on social media. But without fail, in those low moments, someone would show up right when I needed it most. A message would come through from someone who had found my work and shared how it helped and encouraged them through a hard season or another client would reach out to say the uplifting message of the florals helped her through some tough life situations. Or people stopping me to say how much they love my videos and reels, an encouraging word here and there as people brought the art into their home, and wanted me to know what it meant to them. How it encouraged them in a way I hoped it would, the way creating it and meditating on the words beneath encourage me.

That kind of connection became the steady thread.

So I kept moving forward, one step at a time, praying, trusting, and continuing to create. And over time, the right people kept showing up in unexpected places, reminding me again and again that this has never just been about art, but about connection.

We aren’t meant to live only behind screens, measuring our worth in numbers or reach. Art has a way of interrupting that. It slows us down, invites us to feel, and helps us recognize parts of ourselves in someone else’s story. It reminds us we were made for connection. Reminds us that while hardship is something we all experience, we were never meant to carry it alone. And sometimes, the right piece of art can gently shift something in us, reminding us there is more than the place we feel stuck.

And in so many moments, that’s what lead us here.

The grand opening was a beautiful evening full of conversation, encouragement, and so much support. It meant more than I can say to share this space with so many of you for the first time and to send so much art home on our first official evening open!

The gallery is officially open! While it’s listed as “by appointment only”, here’s what that really means:

If I’m here, you are welcome to please come in!

I’ve chosen not to commit to strict hours because this space is still very much a working studio. But when the door is open and I’m inside, I want it to feel approachable, inviting, and lived-in, rather than formal or closed off. However, if you’re traveling a bit to see some art please feel free to use that calendar to make an appointment or shoot me a text to ensure I will be here when you arrive.

The grand opening was the beginning of a host of fun art-centered events to come.

Throughout the year, I’ll be hosting a handful of interactive and colaborative events to bringing together art and poetry, storytelling, and other creative experiences, as well as paint parties you can sign up for online here.

These are meant to be relaxed, welcoming, and something you can step into whether you’re an artist or just curious.

[PHOTO: Art supplies set up for a class OR people creating together]

Thank you for being here. For following along, for supporting, for sharing this space with me in whatever way you have.

This gallery exists because of connection like this.

And I can’t wait to welcome you in.

Rhonda