MANCHESTER — Helmholz Fine Art has been selected as one of the Top 20 Galleries in the USA by the American Art Awards.
The recognition comes as a result of the gallery’s commitment to presenting exceptional exhibitions, promoting emerging and established artists, and providing outstanding customer service, the gallery said in a release.
Each year, American Art Awards recognizes 20 museums and/or galleries for exceptional exhibition and promotion based on many criteria, including years established, industry reputation, represented artists, social relevance of exhibits, aesthetics, and enrichment programs.
Lisa Helmholz-Adams, owner and curator of Helmholz Fine Art, said her formative years in West Africa helped her appreciate a diversity of art and international cultures, which have guided her life’s work as a gallerist. She curates a variety of well-known artists who are respected in their mediums and whose work is nationally recognized in permanent museum collections. She is also always watchful for extraordinary emerging artists.
Helmholz-Adams is continuously evolving the gallery. The ambiance of the space is primarily defined by dynamic large-scale contemporary art (sculpture, classical realism, abstract expressionism, fine art photography), as well as exuberant street art.
Helmholz Fine Art, on Depot Street in Manchester, is a family affair. When they originally leased the gallery space, it had a fairly standard interior and was in need of a facelift. Helmholz-Adams’ son did much of the heavy lifting and finish work to create a modern, yet welcoming space. Since the gallery’s founding, her mother, Romona Helmholz, has served as director. Trained across several mediums at Pratt Institute and Parsons School of Design in New York City, Romona Helmholz ran her own advertising agency in New York City and continues her work as an “entrepreneurial artist.”
Lisa Helmholz-Adams remains responsible for the overall vision of the space.
“It is pure joy to be recognized for my hard work, steadfast commitment to my artists, and for promoting groundbreaking exhibitions and incredible art,” Helmholz-Adams said of the award. “I couldn’t do it without the love and support of my family: our fabulous director — and my mom — Romona, my husband Dave Adams, son Kent Stafford, and my Creative Art Director and brother Steven Helmholz, as well as so many friends who have been there to support me since I opened my own gallery.”
To celebrate, Helmholz Fine Art will host HFA • LIVE on Sept. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. Many of the gallery’s artists, including Elizabeth Torak, Thomas Torak, Lisa Cueman, Rita Dee, Colin Goldberg, Goons, Elizabeth Nagle, Margot Nimiroski, John Tagliaferro, and Stefania Urist will be creating art in real-time during the event.
Helmholz-Adams said the public is invited to experience art in action. Visit helmholzfineart.com for more information and rsvp to Lisa@helmholzfineart.com.