Vladimir Zimakov, director of the Wedeman Gallery, discusses "The Art of Change"

The Newton Art Association has partnered with the Wedeman Gallery for its latest exhibit, “The Art of Change”.

The exhibition, located at the Yamawaki Art and Cultural Center, began on November 5 and will be open through December 8 to all members of the community.

Vladimir Zimakov, director of the Wedeman Gallery, said that he has worked with the Newton Art Association for multiple other gallery exhibits and is excited about the current display.

“The unique thing about the Newton Art Association is that they’re all local artists,” Zimakov said. “I’ve gotten to know quite a few of them and it’s a great group.”

After working with the Newton Art Association in the past, Zimakov said that the group’s themes are always unique including this exhibit’s “Art of Change” theme.

Zimakov said that the theme of big change makes you think of things in a different way, and the new exhibit is an opportunity for visitors to explore these ideas.

“It’s like a conversation,” Zimakov said. “It’s almost like they’re little narratives that one can really pick up and think about, contemplate, and analyze.”

Zimakov also said that the gallery provides an educational component for students with the variety of techniques used by the artists.

“For students, it’s learning how to express things through different mediums. In this exhibition there are paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, and installations - quite a variety,” Zimakov said. “So, it’s really a place to reflect, learn, analyze things, contemplate, and make your own stories.”

In addition to its artistic variety, the exhibit will feature a live performance by Alisa Apreleva, a music therapist from Oxford, UK. Apreleva is the founder of the creative wellness initiative “Sing4Change!” and a neurodiversity researcher at Oxford University. Her live show will be accompanied by a question and answer session. The performance will take place on Friday, December 6 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. and will, according to Zimakov, complete the narrative of the art of change. After a great turnout at the exhibit’s reception on Sunday, November 17, Zimakov is hopeful that more people will check out the gallery and enjoy the experience.“Time and again, when people discover it, they keep coming back because it’s a very unique gallery,” Zimakov said.

The Wedeman Gallery is open for public viewing Wednesdays through Saturdays from 2:00 -5 p.m. Admission is free the performance on December 6, donations will be accepted.