Through the Years: Celebrating 5 years of Gallery500
Since opening in 2019, Gallery500 has hosted dozens of exhibitions focused on highlighting contemporary art in Daytona Beach. From thematic exhibitions to annual events, we have showcased the work of talented emerging, nationally recognized, and internationally celebrated artists. In our latest exhibition, Through the Years, we have curated a survey of artists who have contributed to the oeuvre of Gallery500.
Talent from our Emerging Artist Series such as Brandon Santiago, Natasha Fenga, and Katherine Knapik will be showing new work as part of this exhibition. Since joining the collection at Gallery500, we have been honored to watch them grow their skills and expand their artistic careers. For example, Katherine Knapik has been exploring the usage of new materials, transitioning from paper to canvas. Natasha Fenga was selected to participate in a Residency at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and Brandon Santiago will be graduating with a Fine Arts Degree from Flagler College later this year.
As well, we are proud to continue to build relationships with seasoned artists such as Guy Harvey, Thomas Arvid, and Beau Wild. These artists have established themselves within art world and bring a high-level expertise to our gallery space. Recently, we hosted a Guy Harvey meet & greet which had a large turnout from our community. Beau Wild has also participated in several events at our gallery, such as last Fall’s Tea with Beau in which guests we’re able to participate in a one-on-one discussion with the artist to gain insight into how she has forged a longstanding and successful career in art. 
However, hanging art is not the only thing we do as Gallerists. Fundraising and community outreach are also an important aspects of Gallery 500’s mission. We partner with organizations such as the NASCAR Foundation, Volusia County Schools Visual Arts Programs, Daytona State College, and the Early Learning Coalition to bring creativity to our community.
ONE DAYTONA has proven to be a great home for our gallery, and our influence goes beyond the gallery walls. As part of ONE DAYTONA’s public art program, we have helped curate the permanent murals on property. Visitors to ONE DAYTONA can now participate in a self-guided tour to view the public art in ONE DAYTONA. Through the tour, participants can hear directly from the artists about the work. As well, we are proud to work with the ONE DAYTONA team each year to host the annual ONE DAYTONA Art Festival. This year, the festival hosted nearly 130 artists, a mobile mural competition, a live figure drawing demonstration, a activity filled Kid Zone, and a Bob Ross Painting Class, amongst other engaging elements. To date, the ONE DAYTONA Art Festival has donated over $70,000 to support art in our community.
We hope you can visit Gallery500 and explore the exhibit Through the Years while on display, now through June 23, 2024. We cannot express enough, how thankful we are for all the artists, Gallery500 team members, community partners, art collectors and friends who have grown with us Through the Years. Cheers to all the art that is to come!
-Written by Annie Scull