Art

Davidson, Verzosa expand again

by Sam Smith

Andy Verzosa, who recently expanded his Aucocisco Gallery into a second space, and Nancy Davidson, who has created a conglomorative out of her Davidson and Daughters Gallery, are teaming up to extend their artistic reach even further. Opening its doors on July 14 will be the new Eastland Gallery Davidson-Verzosa in the newly renovated Eastland Park Hotel.

Now, a gallery in a hotel is targeting a certain clientele -- folks who stay at the hotel -- so it shouldn't come as a shock that its shows will lean toward the mass-appeal variety of art. The debut group show's theme, in fact, is -- brace yourself -- "critters."

Davidson says the new gallery will focus on "realism, art with a sense of humor, art on the lighter side."

Neither Davidson nor Verzosa are apologetic about this foray into realism; both say they've wanted an outlet for more retail-oriented art. Davidson also points out that having the space will free her up to show more abstract art in her main gallery.

"I've tried to mix the two [abstract and realism] before," says Davidson. "Sometimes it's worked, sometimes it hasn't. I think it will be more successful splitting them up in two spaces."

Originally the two approached the Eastland about hanging art for the hotel's lobby. Heather Strauss, general manager of the Eastland, jumped at the idea and suggested a gallery as well. Davidson and Verzosa's first lobby show will feature photographs by Ted Arnold. After "critters" runs its course, the gallery will close around Labor Day for renovations and reopen on Columbus Day.