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<\/a>Luster Gallery\u2019s inaugural show <\/p>\n\u201cI knew I wanted to center artists of color, women\/femmes, local artists, and emerging artists,\u201d says Luster. That commitment is reflective of her work at artist Isaiah Zagar\u2019s Philadelphia\u2019s Magic Gardens<\/a>, where, as exhibitions manager, she curates regular guest exhibitions in addition to shows that highlight Zagar\u2019s work. \u201cI wanted to create conversations between emerging and established artists, people who had never shown work and people who have exhibited a lot,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n While opening her own gallery had long been a dream of Luster\u2019s, she wasn\u2019t expecting it to happen this year (much of which had been spent planning her recent wedding). Still, sometimes things happen when they are meant to.<\/p>\n \u201cI had reached out to Crane Arts in May, just to see if they had anything open, gallery- or studio-wise,\u201d she says. When the building manager told her of an opening in July, she took the leap.<\/p>\n The timing might have been a surprise, but basing her gallery in the sprawling former warehouse that houses Crane Arts on N. American St. was always part of Luster\u2019s plan. She has collaborated with Crane Arts tenants in the past, like Icebox Project Space, The Young Artist Program<\/a> (for whom she painted a mural), was a member at Vox Populi at the same time as James Britt (the curator of exhibitions & programs at TILT), and was excited about the potential to work with other artists in the space.<\/p>\n Luster\u2019s mission for the gallery is aligned with the exhibition program mission at the Magic Gardens, which also often focuses on artists of color, women artists, and queer artists.<\/p>\n \u201cI have learned so much at the Magic Gardens,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019ve been able to be experimental: painting the walls, changing the design. I can bring the work out of the walls and into the space.\u201d<\/p>\n At her new gallery, \u201cI can experiment a bit more,\u201d she reflects. \u201cThe possibilities are endless now. I\u2019m planning for 2026, and it\u2019s the first time I\u2019ve had complete freedom. I can do a solo show or a group show, and I can change my mind. I\u2019ve never had that as a curator. In every collaboration [with a gallery or host organization] there\u2019s so much planning and communication. This is the first time it\u2019s solely my vision.\u201d<\/p>\n Luster operates her gallery part time when she isn\u2019t at the Magic Gardens, where she intends to remain in her role. She also has a team of volunteers who support exhibition openings and gallery sitting, so the space can be open when Luster is working.<\/p>\n In the year ahead, she is planning to pilot an artist\u2019s residency using her own artistic practice \u2013 both working in the gallery and including her work in the exhibitions. She has been making art in the gallery already, working on three major commissions, including one that will be shown at the Philadelphia Airport.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m working on these commissions at the same time as I\u2019m talking about the work [on the walls],\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019m thinking about the gallery also as a studio space, and taking the first year to experiment and see what it feels like to exhibit alongside working.\u201d<\/p>\n Luster also envisions the gallery becoming a community space.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to experiment for the first couple of years and see what people are drawn to,\u201d she explains. \u201cAnd I want to make collectors out of people! Focusing on these artists, making it price-inclusive\u2026 the impact feels bigger than just my vision.\u201d<\/p>\n Bye, Buy: 100 Works at $100 opens November 13. Luster Gallery & Studio is open every Second Thursday of the month, during special events and programs, and on select weekend days. To learn more, visit https:\/\/www.lustergallerystudio.com\/<\/a> or follow them on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Chelsey Luster outside the Crane Arts building <\/a>Works from Shades: Expanding the Language of Black Skin <\/p>\n MORE ON PHILADELPHIA\u2019S ART SCENE<\/p>\n