It was an atmosphere unlike any other as many attended RJD Gallery’s highly anticipated reopening after its devastating December 2016 fire. Just in case you missed it, we’ve got you covered.
Hundreds attended the grand re-opening of RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, New York, this past Saturday evening, March 25. The opening marked a major point of celebration for the gallery’s owners and roster of esteemed artists as their original Sag Harbor location was destroyed by fire in December 2016.
It’s amazing to think about where the gallery was just a few months ago and seeing it now. By January, the gallery was already meeting with its insurance company, continuing remote operations for the inventory that survived, searching for a new location, and beginning to plan to breakground. Speaking to the Sag Harbor Express, gallery owner Richard J. Demato suggested, “It is a rebirth and a revival. We had to make a decision. Do we stop or do we go? We made that decision the same day of the fire. We went and sought new spaces; we worked out of my home for a while; we aggressively went out and went after new art. We had to.”
Continuing, Demato reported, “The space is much more serene because it’s much larger. It’s nice and clean and bright. We always loved sculpture, but never had the room. Also, in most of the galleries out here, you can’t step back from the piece enough. It gives it a better perspective and you feel more comfortable making the purchase because you’re more aware of the art rather than the small space. Several people have told me there’s more of a museum feeling here.”
To learn more, visit RJD Gallery.
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