Whenever I walk into the new smArt Gallery, I can’t help but to smile. This is a very familiar place for me, a place where I go to be amongst friends, to meet other art lovers and to find a dose of inspiration.

smArt Gallery is impressive in size and in content; the main room is as inviting as it is vast. One after another, the walls are lined with brilliant pieces of art created by the gallery owners, Zolar Merlin and Lifer Bloobury. Proudly displayed on one wall hang two large pieces of art with award ribbons attached. These special pieces were created by the winners of the latest contest held by the smArt Gallery Flickr Group, SL 10+ Faves – Naughty ‘n’ Nice.

The theme? Water. The selected pieces? Superb.

Take a stroll just around the corner and you will find yourself in another large room. This is the place that transforms into the temporary home for the smArt Gallery’s guest artists, who will have their very own run at displaying their pieces of work for all to enjoy. I understand the importance of this room very well and I am sure that  many artists will tell you that there is something to be said about seeing your own work in a gallery and having the opportunity to invite your own friends, other artists, and art lovers to see your work arranged so prominently.

As cliche` as it may sound, it really does seem like only yesterday that Zolar and Lifer began this joint venture. It was not so long ago that the gallery was much smaller, yet it still offered a home for guests artists to show their work and minister their growth. I have been privileged to sit among some very talented artists who have had this rare opportunity. Flickr Artists such as Raven, MissEm Boa, Leo Xenno, Janellem Capalini, Mariella Tammas, Riri Bazar and the newest smArt Gallery guest, Nevery Lorakeet, have graced the walls at smArt Gallery. I have no doubt that this list will only continue to grow as there are many more artists lined up, eager to display their gifts to this ever-growing art community. With each new guest and opening celebration, new friendships are forged and collaborations are planned. These openings play such a monumental role in an artist’s growth, even when the opening may not be their own.

As for the gallery itself, smArt Gallery offers something for everyone. It is here that you will find a variety of beautiful landscapes, portraits, fantasy, humor and intimate scenes to some more mature pieces hidden discreetly behind a keyhole.

When I asked Lifer what inspired her and Zolar to create smArt Gallery, she answered honestly, “The reason we opened the gallery originally was primarily to display our own work , but we also wanted to create a means of bringing the Flickr community together inworld. So we had the idea of a guest exhibitor, changing the artist every couple of weeks.”

“Bringing the Flickr Community together inworld “ - one artist at a time, that is just what they are doing.

SL 10+ Faves – Naughty ‘n’ Nice Flickr Group:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1249368@N20/