On May 23, 2024, 2gallaghers Art Studio gallery, located in the Coquina Plaza at 100 N Cooper Ave, New Smyrna Beach (NSB), Florida, hosted its first art exhibit event, titled Wind & Water. The event featured long-time local, surfer and artist, Etsy.com/shop/RobinsonDay. Day, a seasoned carpenter known for his craftsmanship, has gained recognition in the community as a self-taught professional artist. Over 25 original pieces were on display for the exhibit.
2gallaghers Art Studio opened in 2022 and is located less than a block from popular Flagler Avenue. The space is a unique, vibrant environment that combines a working space and hanging gallery. In one section, the space is a designated working studio where artists/owners, Bill Gallagher, NSB local for 25 years, and daughter Thea Gallagher, 19, can be seen creating their pieces. This area is equipped with easels, paint brushes, drawing mediums and various art supplies.
Local Artwork Featured at Flagler Avenue Gallery and Art Studio in New Smyrna Beach
The hanging gallery section is curated to highlight the artists’ own work. Art pieces from emerging to established local artists are also hanging. There is a comfortable seating area inviting patrons to linger and fully absorb the experience. The studio has its own working hours. Bill comments, “If the lights are on and you hear innovative music, please walk in.” Overall, the combined studio and gallery invites the public to engage with the artistic journey from inception to completion.
For the Wind & Water event, Day’s work from 2020 to present day was displayed. The paintings are distinctive by a special, stained glass look depicting the sky, clouds, ocean waves and surfing scenes. Most pieces are painted on Day’s preferred canvas – wood. Artwork names include: “The Last Set,” “Miss Adventure,” “In Triplicate” and “Crestfallen.” The pieces range in price from $300 to $3,500.
Day’s seascapes include sailboats and surfing scenes that have a rhythmic pattern that make the piece come alive. Friends and admirers often describe his work as having a joyful essence with a “remarkable quality of the line.” The interplay of sky and water in his paintings captures a radiant beauty, sparking the emotional resonance of his art.
Artwork by Robinson Day
Day has been creating since early childhood, selling his first piece at 17 years old. Each of Day’s paintings are custom framed with maple wood. “I saved the maple wood pieces when I built cabinets with my father. I upcycle the scraps from my workshop,” explains Day. “The frame is not necessarily a part of the piece.”
NSB Vacation Homes, Gallagher’s luxury vacation home rental home business, was incorporated into the event. Buddha’s Bungalow and Namaste Here, a modern short-term rental duplex located just north of the Coquina Plaza, provided more space for displaying Day’s artwork. On the north side of the property, Gallagher offered food, drinks and seating for guests. Live-music by local favorites, Down River Duo, set the mood for the evening. See more at NSBVacationHome.com.
Gallagher and Day have a special friendship that spans almost 25 years in NSB. The relationship is a testament to their shared passion for creativity, encouragement and support. Merging Gallgher’s space and Day’s talent symbolizes the enduring strength of their friendship – a partnership built on decades of shared experiences, artistic exploration and unwavering support.
Connect with 2Gallaghers via email: ART@2gallaghers.com
Visit Etsy.com/shop/RobinsonDay to purchase original art and prints.
