Art Gallery, Boutique Joins the Westfield Community

Part art gallery, part boutique, Gallery U Boutique will host art exhibits and sell a variety of jewelry, clothing, children items and more as a part of the Universal Institute Rehabilitation facility. 

Gallery U formerly held two locations in Montclair and Red Bank, where gallery director Robert Langdon says the gallery positioned itself as a valuable art resource in both communities.

Some of the featured events in the past have included seasonal town wide Art Walks, a space for students and local arts to exhibit work and working with nonprofit and community organizations to fundraise and promote their missions.

“Westfield is a very arts based town and we believe Gallery U would fit well in the community,” Langdon said. “We really look forward to working closely with community organizations and offering local artists an opportunity to showcase their talents.”

Gallery U is part of the Universal Institute Rehabilitation facility, a center that services adults with traumatic brain injuries. The gallery will also feature art and merchandises produced by the some of the clients, in addition to established and upcoming artists, including local artists.  Both UIR and Gallery U will share a large space at 439 S. Avenue West.

Clients of UIR assist in all aspects of running Gallery U, from answering emails to promoting events and of course exhibiting their work.

“We are very excited to be relocating to Westfield,” Langdon said. “This larger location will allow us the opportunity to service more TBI (traumatic brain injury) clients through the vocational training program.”

The grand opening of Gallery U will be held on on Sept. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring a special exhibit of artwork by Women Painting Women NJ.

Gallery U Boutique wants to take an active role in the community of Westfield, according to Langdon, anyone who is interested in collaborating with the boutique for parties, fundraisers or private exhibits can contact him with ideas at Rlangdongalleryu@gmail.com. For more information visit gallery-u.blogspot.com.