Just down the street from the trendy restaurant section of “downtown” Gilbert, Arizona, in one of last historic buildings on the south end of the block – upstairs – hides one of the most modern photography darkroom labs and gallery spaces in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Art Intersection has been quietly in residence there since 2011 and whether you are an amateur, student, professional photographer/artist or just an enthusiast, Art Intersection has something for you in their exhibits and workshop line-ups this year.

My companion and I were peeking into the windows while sipping double espressos from the Euro Café when we were beckoned in by Executive Director Alan Fitzgerald. Warm and gracious, he introduced us to Gallery Manager Gina DeGideo and showed us around the large office-plex turned art gallery. I immediately felt that buzzy excitement of discovering something cool and I am pretty sure it wasn’t just the coffee kicking in. Like their promotional material explains, Art Intersection “engages our community through educational programs, creative work space and exhibitions.”  I am pretty sure all I said during our first meeting was “wow, wow, wow” as we viewed the incredible images on the walls.

“Art Intersection is an amazing space for the expression of photography and related art forms,” says Ms. DeGideo. “Our lab spaces provide the equipment and resources to learn new processes and for individuals to create their own work.”

Complementing Art Intersection‘s mission is nearby Gallery 4, a place which “provokes an insatiable thirst for human understanding and connection” and “where art leads you into a conversation about our community, culture and environment.”  Whatever medium exhibited therein, be it painting or spoken word or all of the above, the aim is to engage, stimulate and reflect on ideas of social import in a safe, welcoming atmosphere.

“Our galleries feature contemporary art from emerging and established artists both from our local and international community,” DeGideo tells us. After enjoying lunch, happy hour or early dinner at any variety of eateries in the District, walk off all that food over to Art Intersection and tell them ArtBeat Magazine sent you!

Light Sensitive 2018, an exhibit of traditional darkroom and alternative photographic processes just finished up and next is a student photography exhibit in May. All Art Arizona, an eight year tradition showcasing local talent, will open June 5 with a reception on Saturday the 9th, 5-8pm. For information about these and other shows, Gallery 4, classes and lectures, dark room rentals, or how to get involved please call or visit Art Intersection, 207 N. Gilbert Road #201, (480) 361-1118 or info@artintersection.com. Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm. All exhibits free with plenty of public parking.

Images Courtesy of City of Gilbert website and Art Intersection.