The front entrance of Hart Gallery 27, Brockport, N.Y. (Olivia Robinson/ Canalside Chronicles)
BROCKPORT, N.Y. — Just off Main Street in Brockport lies Hart Gallery 27, a creative haven where art is accessible to the Brockport community. As soon as you open the door, art lines the walls from new exhibitions. The air is quiet yet full of anticipation. Upstairs brings more galleries and local artists’ studios where different art classes take place.
A decade ago, the Bentons bought Hart Gallery 27, witnessing the Brockport community around them evolve alongside their own gallery.
The inspiration for the gallery came from Benton Hart’s mother, who recently passed away.
“She’s a huge loss to our operation, but I take comfort in knowing that she’s the one who inspired us to purchase the gallery and pursue something that has a little more fiber to it than just making a living,” Hart said.
What makes Hart Gallery 27 stand out is their passion for people. The current exhibition at the gallery is a collection of drawings of Rochester figure model Janet Van Zoeren, lining the walls to fundraise her fight against cancer. One hundred percent of the proceeds from sold artworks will go to her.
There is something for everyone, from the display of local artists’ work to the figure drawing classes held weekly and the open mic nights held monthly. The gallery is also a place to breathe and temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of village life, while taking in new exhibitions that cover the walls of both floors.
SUNY Brockport graduate student and local artist Lóri Fejes said that having his art on display makes him feel more connected to the community here, thousands of miles away from his home country of Hungary.
“I feel great about the opportunity to show my art in town, in a professional environment,” Fejes said. “When I came to Brockport I wanted to continue creating and sharing art.”
Fejes emphasises the importance of the small yet vibrant Brockport art scene.
“There are frequent art talks and affordable weekly classes that bring us closer to the broader art scene,” Fejes said.
Last November, Hart Gallery 27 debuted its open mic night. The evening featured traditional poetry performances as well as showcases of music, song, comedy and folktales. What began as a small gathering of 20 people has quickly bloomed into a frequently attended event where both artists and spectators have found mutual comfort in community. The most recent open mic on April 19 was just as successful.
“People are looking for an outlet, they want to do something at the community level. They want to feel heard and safe,” Hart said. “We may have tapped into that by accident, you know, we can provide a safe and supportive environment that’s free”.
By the third open mic night, the gallery had run out of chairs and spectators were standing shoulder to shoulder, drawn in by the sense of community and spectacle.
SUNY Brockport English Professor and accomplished author Anne Panning was one of many who found solace in the event.
“I love sharing my poetry at Hart Gallery 27, it moved me to hear others sing, play music, and tell stories.” Panning said.
For Hart Gallery 27, they are adamant that its doors will always be open for those who want to explore more.
“We’re always kind of reinventing ourselves and figuring out who we are,” Hart said. “We do consider it a donation to the community.”
Hart Gallery 27’s mission isn’t just about showcasing art, it’s about building a legacy rooted in familial love and support, creativity, and shared experience.