Erika Vallance

Gallery Manager

Meet our new Gallery Manager, Erika Vallance!

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With a passion for the arts and the bubbliest personality around, Erika brings a wealth of experience to our team. We are excited to have her on board, helping lead our gallery to new heights and curating exceptional experiences for our artists and visitors. Welcome, Erika!

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We were also lucky to have had the opportunity to interview Erika and learn more about her. Keep reading to learn more.

 

What has your past experience in the arts entailed prior to joining BAFFA as Gallery Manager?

"I have provided project, exhibition, and artist residency support to artists across disciplines. As a painter and printmaker myself, I am passionate about uplifting other artists, whether by sourcing materials, celebrating them through events, or having heartfelt conversations about their artistic practices. I also used to be in various marching bands and cherish all of my experiences rehearsing and performing with my peers."

 

What has been your favorite experience with the BAFFA Art Gallery thus far?

"Attending art receptions always brings me joy, so it has been great to attend two receptions already!"

Why did you accept the position as the BAFFA Art Gallery Manager? What appealed to you the most?

"I believe that it is important to be involved with my local community. The Juried Invitational Student Art Exhibition is just one of BAFFA's many accomplishments in nurturing and promoting the arts across Long Island. I am truly excited and honored to contribute to an outstanding organization and engage with artists, members, and other community organizations."

Once accepting the position as Gallery Manager, what have you been most happy to learn about BAFFA or the Art Gallery?

"I am happy to learn about BAFFA's upcoming fundraising events. Not only do these events increase engagement with members and non-members through exciting activities, but they also often build partnerships with other organizations in the local community."

What are your hopes and/or dreams for the BAFFA Art Gallery in the near future?
"I look forward to seeing a mix of familiar and new faces at the BAFFA Art Gallery. Discovering and visiting cultural environments like an art gallery always fills me with a sense of awe, and I hope that others have a similar experience when entering our gallery."

What do you feel the BAFFA Art Gallery offers that other art organizations do not?

"I feel that the wide range of artwork presented at the BAFFA Art Gallery is impactful. As an artist who grew up drawing realistic portraits but gradually shifted toward abstraction, seeing different types of work is a helpful reminder that you can create anything you set your mind to."

 

What special skills are you most excited to bring to the BAFFA Art Gallery?

"I have helped coordinate a few unique projects and installations for public events in the past. Getting quotes for unusual materials out of my main area of expertise can be daunting, but watching the final product come to life makes it all worth it. I hope to put my creative thinking and perseverance to good use."