29 years is a long time to do pretty much anything. But, as Kris Donovan gets ready to celebrate her 30th anniversary running a fine arts gallery , 29 years of wonderful art is giving back generous gifts of wisdom, confidence, and grace.
The Donovan Gallery used to be a quiet home, erected on one of the “four corners” with crackling fire places, creaking floorboards and a narrow, winding staircase. Now, art work warms the walls and brings good tidings this season with a Holiday Exhibit featuring the late David Aldrich of Providence, RI. Aldrich’s work has been showcased in the Providence Art Club, Rhode Island Watercolor Society, and the Gallery on the Commons in Little Compton. His work is described as “fresh,” always painted with “freedom and spontaneity,” offered up in beautiful brush strokes, rich colors, and liberal compositions. The popular paintings arrived earlier this month, and are selling fast.“We already sold 6,” said Kris Donovan, who has witnessed the transformative talent of dozens of artists since she opened the gallery in 1994.
Before the Donovan Gallery Kris had opened a smaller place just around the corner in 1982 called Thistle Gallery and Gifts. Now she is one of the many artists featured at the Donovan Gallery, which represents the work of over 42 artists. Most of the artists have been with Kris since the beginning, however, their work is always changing she says; ”A lot of galleries just have shows, but we’re constantly changing. I keep the artists on their toes.” Despite the gorgeous variety of affordable fine art, the Donovan Gallery harbors a quiet New England theme, with paintings bursting with orange and blue skies, flower gardens, fishing boats, baseball games, hay fields, and old colonial farm houses. A fitting placement for a gallery located in one of New England’s most beautiful nature spots.
The gallery offers hundreds of affordable pieces of art and remains humbly, tax-free, making fine art accessible to everyone. A semi-recent victory in 4Corners was receiving tax-exempt status from the state, thanks to the “Donovan Bill.” The bill was initiated by Kris Donovan, and influenced Rhode Island’s decision to recognize the unique arts district as deserving. Lucky for us all.
David Aldrich will be at the gallery through this month (while his paintings last). Stop by and see for yourself what’s so fantastic about this little New England masterpiece.
To see a full list of contributing artists this season visit www.donovangallery.com.