Viewing the Art of Grace Li Wang
A few weeks ago, I was invited by my dear friend Angela, from the Ultimate Fashionista, to attend an exclusive showing of a new collection by artist Grace Li Wang, at the Grace Li Wang Gallery in Raleigh. I was so excited to participate in, and I just knew that my artist in residence, i.e., my youngest daughter Gracie would love to attend. So I quickly RSVPed. Grace’s art show centered around not only her paintings but also the pearl jewelry that she creates.
Pearls are always appropriate. – Jackie O.
Before we viewed the show, Grace told us why she was so passionate about pearls. She said that they are a symbol of China, and after her dad retired, they would take many trips to China. On each return back to the US, a few pearls would be in her luggage. But then she decided that she wanted to create affordable pearl jewelry.
The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens. – Grace Kelly
Why affordable, you ask? Because for many years, members of royal families were the only ones who could afford to wear pearls. But now they are more easily affordable. In fact, when Maddie graduated from college with her Bachelor of Science, we gave her a set of pearl earrings.
Grace incorporates the pearls into many different pieces of jewelry. From earrings to pendants, to bracelets, to simple strands – she has it all in her collection. When she was talking about the pearls, she said that they come in so many colors. There are multiple shades of black pearls alone. And did you know that there are at least 10 different kinds of pearls in the world? I didn’t.
I couldn’t leave without grabbing something to wear. So I did pick up a simple but unique piece- a black pearl set in a pendant. It was just the thing to compliment my Thanksgiving day dress that I got from here. But sadly, I was so focused on staying positive that day I totally forgot to take a picture of the outfit.
After Grace and Angela finished talking, we were able to browse the gallery to see what other artists were on display there. Grace’s art gallery, The Grace Li Wang Gallery, is located in the 311 Gallery in downtown Raleigh just a few steps from the new site of The Flourish Market.
It is a quaint building that was converted from an old warehouse. It is filled with many unique art pieces ranging from sculptures to hand-painted cards, to painting, and there were even a few hand-carved pieces I saw. They change out their art pieces every month. Each artist has their own little section in the studio.
One thing that Grace told us is that she was the only one who actually uses her studio as an actual art studio. Most of the other artists use the space just to display their works for sale.
But I will tell you it was just as I thought a working art gallery would feel and look like. As I said, it is housed in an old warehouse. The bottom part was converted into the gallery, but the top part was converted into apartments. We could actually hear someone vacuum when we were touring the gallery. How funny is that?
If you are ever in downtown Raleigh and you have a free afternoon, I would suggest checking to see if the 311 Gallery is open. Stop in and see some incredible pieces of art and maybe even make a purchase. I would also suggest if you aren’t the best at parallel parking to drive up a block and park in the parking deck located at The Dillon. It may cost a little bit more to park there, like a $1 or 2. But it is easy to get in and out of. I have yet had to drive around, looking for space. ( Quick tip: Take your ticket with you and pay before you go back to your car. It is so easy.)
So tell me, have you ever been to an art exhibit? Do you have a favorite art gallery?
