Women Who Tell Our Stories: A Memorable Evening at Vanda Gallery
- CVE
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 22
Women Who Tell Our Stories: A Memorable Evening at Vanda Gallery
by Chantell Van Erbé
Earlier this month, I attended the reception for Women Who Tell Our Stories, a National Association of Women Artists (NAWA) exhibition at Vanda Gallery. The evening was a celebration of women’s voices in the arts, with each artist sharing their unique perspective and storytelling through their work. The gallery was filled with creativity, conversation, and a shared appreciation for the power of visual expression.
What made the night truly special was being surrounded by both friends and family. My niece, Abigail, attended her very first gallery show, and the experience was transformative for her. She has always had a deep fondness for painting and drawing, but something about this evening sparked a new level of excitement. She told me she wants to be an artist, too. Watching her eyes light up reminded me of my own childhood, roaming galleries and absorbing the creative world around me. It was a full-circle moment—one that reaffirmed the importance of passing down artistic passion through generations.
Being in that space, mingling with artists and guests, also brought back memories of my own early experiences in the art world. From a young age, I found myself immersed in galleries and exhibitions, observing not just the artwork but also the way people interacted—how they spoke about art, how they connected. Those early years strengthened my communication skills, shaping my ability to engage with others and navigate the art world with confidence. Moments like this remind me how much those experiences have shaped who I am today.
A highlight of the night was meeting the incredible Phoebe Legere, a multi-talented artist, musician, and performer. Her painting, The Wonderful Butterfly Dance, was a stunning representation of movement and transformation. Beyond her artistry, she was incredibly warm and engaging, and later, she referred to me as a “visionary artist” in an Instagram post—an honor that deeply resonated with me.
The Women Who Tell Our Stories reception was more than just an exhibition—it was a night of inspiration, connection, and creative affirmation. I left feeling energized and grateful—not just for the opportunity to exhibit alongside such talented artists, but for the chance to experience it all with the people who matter most.
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