The Gallery Upstairs

{exhibition photograph from ‘Melted Pots & Cooked Books,’ Fall 2019}

ON VIEW


Celebrating 40 years of The New Haven Leon Sister City Project 

January 16- April 4, 2025
Opening Reception: January 16, 6-8 pm
Free and Open to ALL

Read this review in the New Haven Independent, written by Brian Slattery.

A timely exhibit of vintage posters and art from Nicaragua, recent locally-made items addressing the climate crisis, social justice and so much more from the NHLSCP’s remarkable archive.


• HANDS ON WORKSHOPS!

We will be offering several hands on workshops throughout the life of the exhibit:

Saturday, March 22, 12-2 pm

Fantasy Garden Collaging: come join us for a chill afternoon of making, dreaming and envisioning. Materials provided, this artist-led event is free and open to all, but donations are always appreciated. Free and open to all, RSVP here!

Saturday, March 29, 12-2 pm:
Beautiful Objectionsa one-day workshop to create beautiful and portable visual works for protest and social change! Free and open to all, RSVP here


• A SPECIAL PANEL TALK
March 27th, 6-8 pm: Green Spaces in the Tapestry of New Haven’s Neighborhoods
Peggy Bloomer, Assistant Professor of Art & Design at Central Connecticut State University, will host a multimedia presentation and discussion with guest speakers. Join us for a captivating community discussion exploring the rich history, lush parks, and vibrant green spaces that are woven into the historic neighborhoods and diverse communities, past and present of New Haven.
Seating will be limited, so please register via online link provided.

UPCOMING

nosegay: a plant-based exhibition

April 10 – June 23, 2025
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 10, 6 – 8 pm

Maxim Schmidt and Martha Willette Lewis from The Gallery Upstairs at the Institute Library (847 Chapel St) invite you to the opening reception for “nosegay: a plant-based exhibition,” organized by Maxim Schmidt and on-view from April 10 to June 23, 2025.

Works will follow the general theme of flora, zeroing in on the magic and beauty of plant life!


The Gallery Upstairs at the Institute Library features a challenging roster of contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year. We offer visual art with strong connections to words, language, literature, libraries, and collections, with the active interest of sparking dialogue, providing a locus and salon for visual culture within our community. 


Do you make art that relates to words, books archives or collections?
Are you interested in having your work considered for a forthcoming show? Download our form for more information and instructions on how to submit your work. Martha reviews work every few months and would love to see what you are making!