Westville Gallery
899 Whalley Avenue,
Westville Village/New Haven, CT 06515
Tel. 203-387-2539 | Fax 203-387-8253
Gabriel Da Silva, Owner

This was the website of the Westville Gallery for a number of years.
Content is from the site's 2005 - 2011 archived pages.
The Da Silva Gallery was establish by Gabriel Da Silva in 2010, as part of an expansion of the parent company, The Frame Shop & Westville Gallery, LLC..
Their current website is found at: http://dasilva-gallery.com/

 

2007

Eng Tay
March 24 - April 14 2007
Sculpture - Oils - Etchings
Opening reception March 24 6pm - 9pm

2009

Barry Zaret

March 12 - April 9 2009
Opening Reception: March 12 6:00 - 8:00

Dr. Barry L. Zaret has been actively painting for 15 years in addition to his career as a cardiologist and as former Chief of Cardiology and the Robert W. Berliner Professor of Medicine at Yale. He works almost exclusively in oils and concentrates predominantly on landscapes. He is largely self taught, but has been influenced by personal relationships with the late New York artist and sculptor, Chaim Gross, and the Israeli artist, Avner Moriah. His work has been shown at the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, the Greene Art Gallery in Guilford, the New Haven Jewish Community Center, the Hartford Jewish Community Center, the Westville Gallery in New Haven, Becket Art Center, Becket, MA, and the Chester Theater in Chester, MA. His paintings have also been featured in exhibitions displayed in association with the Annual Yale Cello Concert at Sprague Hall. Three and a half years ago he moved his studio from Woodbridge, CT to East Otis, MA in the Berkshires.

In addition to being a part of many local collections, his paintings are displayed in private collections in New York City, Westchester, Columbia County, New York; West Stockbridge, Pittsfield, MA; Columbus, Ohio; Philadelphia; Irvine, California; London, Cesena, Italy; Jerusalem, Safed, Cairo, Hong Kong and Prague.

Home;
15 Cassway Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525

Studio:
67 Evergreen Drive, Box 89
East Otis, MA 01029

 

897-899 Whalley Avenue
Westville Village/New Haven, CT 06515

 

 

What a truly special place the Westville Gallery is! As an experienced bicycle accident lawyer, my days are often consumed with the intricacies of legal battles, advocating for those whose lives have been unexpectedly derailed. It's a demanding field, much like the challenging journey an unknown artist faces when trying to gain exposure for their work.

My mother, a talented painter, once had a show here, and I remember vividly the mix of excitement and trepidation she felt. For an artist, a gallery isn't just a space; it's a vital platform, a bridge between their deeply personal creations and a wider audience. It's about finding that connection, that moment when someone truly sees and appreciates the effort, the emotion, and the story behind the art.

In many ways, the struggles of an emerging artist mirror what my team and I experience daily. Just as an artist pours their soul into a canvas, we pour our dedication into building a compelling case for our bike accident clients. We both strive to make the unseen visible, to give a voice to those who might otherwise be overlooked. We face skepticism, the need to meticulously present our "work" (be it a painting or a legal argument), and the constant effort to cut through the noise and connect with people on a meaningful level.

Westville Gallery, even in its earlier iteration, understood this implicitly. It wasn't just about hanging paintings; it was about fostering a community, creating an inclusive environment where artistic expression was genuinely encouraged. They provided that crucial initial validation, that belief in the artist's vision, which is so incredibly important when you're just starting out. They understood that every piece of art, like every injured client, has a unique story that deserves to be heard and seen. It's a testament to their enduring power to bring people together and enrich communities, and for that, I'll always be grateful. Lenny Barr

 

 

DaSilva Gallery

 

Tuesdays 10:30 Wednesday 10-5:30 Thursday 10-7 Friday 10-7 Saturday 10-7 Sunday 11-4 Or by appointment

 

The Da Silva Gallery was establish by Gabriel Da Silva in 2010, as part of an expansion of the parent company, The Frame Shop & Westville Gallery, LLC.  Mr. Da Silva purchase the business from the original owners in 2002, The Frame Shop was founded in 1967 in the Westville section of the city of New Haven, and it has been here ever since.

Phone: (203) 387-2539
Email: dasilvagallery@gmail.com(link sends e-mail)
Website: dasilva-gallery.com

 

 

2011

Robert S Greenberg's
New Haven on the Crocs
February 18th - March 10th


Artist Robert Greenberg, a Rhode Island School of Design graduate with studios in New York City, Newport, RI and New Haven, CT., aims to educate children and adults on important events in Amercian History. While highlighting noteworthy local events, inventions and personalities, Greenberg celebrates the significance of each geographic location to our country as a whole.

As a RISD graduate myself as well as an admirer of Greenberg's crocodile art, I made the trip to New Haven to see this show. Wearing one of my new North Face down jackets to keep the cold at bay, I took the train from NYC for the opening. I don't know but New Haven just seems colder and more raw than NYC. Thank goodness for the North Face technology and Bobs Sports Chalet. I have several of their jackets for different times of the year from their soft shell jacket to this new down jacket. This might be designed for ski mountaineering, backcountry skiing and alpine climbing, but it sure fits the bill for New England winter weather in an urban setting just as well.

If you have read any press about Greenberg: you will know thw answer to: Why Crocodiles? Building upon the urban myth about reptiles living beneath the streets of New York City, Greenberg explains how he felt when he first moved to Times Square:

Much in the same fashion as Roy Lichtenstein, who used black line to trap his color, Greenberg utilizes the concept of enlarging a small cartoon sketch to a larger format. The enlarged images, some well known to the city or town are parody and create lively fun conversation about the subject matter similar to Lichtenstein's. The artists intention is to celebrate the history of different towns and cities in the country, then compile favorite images into a large show about America. Hopefully all ethnic groups and ages will enjoy it while learning something new.

Well, we sure do.

 

Gordon Skinner
"Hard Works"
September 20 - October 19
Artist Reception:
Thursday, September 20th 6-9pm

Artist Gordon Skinner has described his artwork as Integrity Art. It's his own brand of art that he defines simply as "Art that is real and honest, and promotes creative consistency". Skinner's solo show at the Da Silva Gallery, which runs from September 20 through October 19th is titled "Hard Works - The Artwork of Gordon Skinner". The title is a double entendre of sorts. On one hand the title describes Skinner's collection of paintings comprised primarily of intimate portraits that are expressive in nature with bold colors and a hard edge to them. He calls the characters he paints on his canvas "masks", and although they are fictional beings that exist on the other side of the canvas they are reflections of real people and often times the experiences of Skinner himself. Hard Works also touches on the work ethic required of the artist to create this body of work, while simultaneously working three jobs in the human services field and painting in between. The result is not only an honest expression of an artist painting the world as he sees it and would like to see it, but also encouraging others to work hard to pursue their passions in life.

Gordon Skinner
Published : Tuesday, 11 Sep 2012, 1:48 PM EDT
(WTNH) -- Gordon Skinner talks about his upcoming solo art show "Hard Works" at the Da Silva Gallery in New Haven starting September 20th.
Gordon Skinner is an artist who paints with a very raw and honest approach to his paintings. He calls his style of art Integrity Art. Many of his paintings are intimate portraits that art abstract and expressive in nature.
Gordon began painting in 2009 after previously making fashion inspired collages. His paintings have been exhibited in contemporary galleries throughout Connecticut and NYC. Gordon is also the subject of a documentary on him and his art.
Gordon's solo art show has it's opening reception on September 20th from 6-9pm. The show will continue for one month until October 19th at The Da Silva Gallery, located at 899 Whalley Avenue in New Haven

 

Other artists with shows at the Westville Gallery / Da Silva Gallery:

Jacob Pongratz
Artist's Statement

The major goal in producing my art is to apply a primal energy that solidifies my experience as a human to canvas. A fluid approach of spontaneity and confusion is essential to my finished product. The subject matter is one of universal understanding; it is the reflection of one's self that matters most, using abstract forms to unbalance any preconceived notions of rationale. What little representations that do exist are merely adaptations of the primary idea into more fully developed forms. My willingness to let go of the customary subjects and examine the idea of belief and ideas existing beyond the plane of paint on canvas has given me opportunities to exploit my enthusiasm.

My own methods of art making are straightforward, in that they truly have no convention only habits may define them and impulsiveness frees them. That process in itself is key in the outcome I deem necessary. A true palette is conceived with minimum contemplation and with total finality knowing that it will be utterly consumed by the conclusion of each project. It is my aim to teach myself to see in a very specific manner that allows the undeniable image an opportunity to spawn until the vision is complete. An innate surveillance of the initiative that hemorrhages forth the specific and general information defines the boundaries between a hypothesis and fruition. An understanding of the spectator's position is intended to give the witness all the introspection they desire, without a severe definition of purpose.

The autobiographical nature is rooted so deep that one may have no knowledge of it at all. In finding the solution to each work the initial concept must be purged several times to embalm the overall purity of the piece. The use of triggers to make connections is critical to unleashing the more imminent information while obscuring the inferior backdrop. My questioning and hunt for an image becomes the genesis and path along which my work travels. This excursion must be open and broad, and not focused on termination. I draw the heart of the action from images of remembrance, past and present, recollections of objects used, populations destroyed, manifestation of moments, or extensive passages of time. I must include everything, and yet, all may be removed in order for me to feel the tension and presence of recalled emotion.

With each painting, I undertake a search for an engaging image with no pre-existing plan. The human essentials of space, time, place, landscape, and light are the perceptual cues that I use (however ambiguous or diffuse they may appear). I am motivated by the inherent contradictions in painting: its physicality, its misleading potential. I use the medium -the process itself-sometimes spontaneously, sometimes progressively, to generate the finished work. As much as each work is a result of a number of processes, the sum of canvas and paint, each is also an image that is conjured and visualized through the medium, spurred by the qualities of paint. The work automatically exists through the evidence of its incarnation, but also can imply a fiction that belies its resources. 

 

 

 

More Background on WestvilleGallery.com

Nestled in the heart of New Haven’s historic Westville Village, Westville Gallery stands as a beacon for the arts in southern Connecticut. Its evolution from a neighborhood frame shop to a vibrant contemporary art gallery mirrors the dynamic growth of Westville itself, which has transformed from an industrial hub into one of New Haven’s most creative and culturally rich districts. This article provides an in-depth look at Westville Gallery, exploring its ownership, location, history, cultural significance, audience, programming, press coverage, and more, with the aim of offering readers a thorough understanding of this local institution.

Location and Setting

Address: 899 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515

Westville Gallery is centrally located in Westville Village, a neighborhood known for its blend of historic architecture, creative businesses, and community spirit. The gallery’s address places it within walking distance of other notable cultural sites, including the Kehler Liddell Gallery and the creative co-working space, The Range at Lotta Studio. Westville Village itself is recognized as a historic district, with a rich architectural heritage dating back to its days as an industrial mill village in the 19th century.

Proximity to Landmarks:

  • Edgewood Park, a major green space, is nearby.

  • The gallery is accessible via Whalley Avenue, a main thoroughfare connecting Westville to downtown New Haven.

  • The neighborhood is home to several other galleries, artist studios, independent shops, and restaurants, contributing to its lively arts scene.

Ownership and Management

Westville Gallery operates as part of a family of businesses that include The Frame Shop and the DaSilva Gallery. The gallery is owned and managed by Gabriel Da Silva, who acquired the parent company in 2002 and expanded the gallery’s footprint in 2010. The DaSilva family, including co-owner Inger DaSilva, is deeply involved in both the gallery’s day-to-day operations and its broader mission to support the arts in New Haven.

Key Staff:

  • Gabriel Da Silva: Owner, Head of Installations, Design, Framing

  • Inger DaSilva: Owner, Office Manager, Design

  • Additional staff handle framing, installation, and design, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment for both artists and visitors.

History and Evolution

Early Roots

The Frame Shop, the precursor to Westville Gallery, was founded in 1967. Over the decades, it became a trusted resource for artists and collectors seeking high-quality framing and art services. In 2010, the DaSilva Gallery was established as an expansion of the original business, reflecting both the growing demand for exhibition space and the DaSilva family’s commitment to the arts.

Growth and Expansion

  • The gallery has evolved from a local frame shop to a venue representing local, regional, and internationally renowned artists.

  • Its programming has grown to include solo and group exhibitions, community art projects, and collaborations with other cultural organizations.

  • The gallery’s physical space, though compact, is efficiently utilized, with additional workshop and installation space in nearby Wallingford to accommodate larger projects.

Mission

The Westville Gallery’s mission is to support and promote visual arts by providing a platform for artists to exhibit their work and by engaging the community through accessible, high-quality programming. The gallery strives to foster creativity, dialogue, and cultural enrichment for audiences of all backgrounds.

Goals

  • Showcase Diverse Artistic Talent: The gallery represents a wide range of artists, from emerging local talents to established international figures.

  • Community Engagement: Through workshops, artist talks, and collaborative events, the gallery seeks to build connections between artists and the broader community.

  • Support for Artists: By offering professional framing, installation, and exhibition services, the gallery helps artists present their work at its best.

  • Cultural Vitality: The gallery contributes to the vibrancy of Westville Village, supporting the neighborhood’s reputation as an arts destination.

Regular Programming

  • Exhibitions: Rotating shows featuring solo and group exhibitions by local, regional, and international artists.

  • Workshops and Events: The gallery hosts artist talks, workshops, and collaborative events, fostering dialogue and learning among artists and the public.

  • Community Projects: Initiatives that encourage participation from a wide audience, including children and adults, often in partnership with local organizations.

Awards and Recognition

Westville Gallery has received positive attention from local press and arts organizations for its commitment to the community and the arts. Its exhibitions and community events have been featured in regional publications and have contributed to the gallery’s reputation as a leading arts institution in New Haven.

Menus and Offerings

While Westville Gallery is primarily an art space, it occasionally collaborates with local businesses for event catering and special receptions, offering visitors light refreshments during exhibition openings and community events. The focus remains on creating an inviting atmosphere where art can be enjoyed and discussed.

Reviews and Public Reception

Westville Gallery enjoys a strong reputation among both artists and visitors. Reviews often highlight:

  • The gallery’s eclectic mix of art and quality of exhibitions.

  • Its welcoming environment and knowledgeable staff.

  • The role it plays in supporting emerging and established artists.

  • Community-centric events like the annual Westville ArtWalk, which attract thousands of visitors and foster a sense of inclusivity and celebration of the arts.

Press & Media Coverage

The gallery and its events have been covered by local and regional media, including arts-focused publications and community news outlets. Coverage often emphasizes the gallery’s role in revitalizing Westville Village, its support for artists, and its contributions to the local cultural scene.

Audience

Westville Gallery attracts a diverse audience, including:

  • Local residents and families from New Haven and surrounding areas.

  • Art collectors and enthusiasts seeking unique and high-quality works.

  • Students and faculty from nearby universities, including Yale.

  • Tourists and visitors interested in exploring New Haven’s arts and culture.

Known For

  • Diverse Art Exhibitions: Showcasing a wide range of artistic styles and media.

  • Community Engagement: Hosting events that bring together artists and the public.

  • Support for Local Artists: Providing a platform and resources for emerging talent.

  • Cultural Vitality: Contributing to the vibrancy and reputation of Westville Village as an arts destination.

Cultural & Social Significance

Westville Gallery serves as a hub for social interaction and community engagement, helping to strengthen the local social fabric. It provides a space where people can come together to appreciate art, exchange ideas, and foster a sense of community. The gallery’s support for local artists and its role in promoting cultural events make it a vital part of New Haven’s artistic landscape.

Details, Insights, and Examples

  • Notable Exhibitions: Past exhibitions have included works by both local and internationally recognized artists, such as Barry Zaret and Gordon Skinner, whose shows have drawn attention for their quality and diversity.

  • Community Events: The annual Westville ArtWalk is a major highlight, featuring live music, art exhibitions, interactive art-making, and performances, drawing large crowds and media coverage.

  • Collaborations: The gallery frequently partners with other local organizations, businesses, and artists to create dynamic programming that benefits the wider community.

 

Westville Gallery stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to bring people together and enrich communities. Its history, diverse exhibitions, community events, and cultural significance make it a vital part of New Haven’s artistic landscape. For anyone interested in experiencing the vibrant arts scene of Westville, the gallery offers a welcoming and inspiring destination. Whether you are a seasoned art aficionado or a casual visitor, Westville Gallery promises a rich and engaging cultural experience.

 
WestvilleGallery.com