Local Spotlight: The Art of Bill Gallagher
- Tiffany Sudakis
- May 2
- 2 min read
Updated: May 4
May is one of my favorite times of the year for a few very good reasons. First, it’s my husband’s birthday, then just a couple days later it’s mine, and right after that I get to celebrate Mother’s Day. So yes, I get presents and then breakfast in bed. Hard to beat that. Safe to say, I’m a big fan of May.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how I want to use this space each month. I’ve really enjoyed sharing bits of my personal life and I’ll definitely keep doing that, but I also realized this is a great opportunity to shine a light on the incredible people in our community. We’re surrounded by talented, creative and inspiring locals, and I’d love to start giving them the spotlight they deserve.
Bill Gallagher’s The State of Florida Exhibition
As I was thinking about this, I got a text from a longtime friend, Bill Gallagher, inviting me to his latest exhibit. Perfect timing. Bill’s State of Florida Exhibition opened Saturday, May 2 at Jane’s Art Center and will remain on view through June 2. The gallery is located at 199 Downing St. in New Smyrna Beach.
I’ve been to a few of Bill’s events before, including his annual Art IRL, which stands for “in real life.” It’s a one-night-only experience that truly immerses you in art. You can start at his studio on North Cooper Street, where he’s often painting and welcomes visitors whenever the lights are on, then take a short walk to nearby Airbnb spaces he transforms into pop-up galleries. Add in live music, local artists and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, and it’s something really special.
And while Bill’s work speaks for itself, it’s also worth noting the recognition he’s received. Just this past April, he earned an Award of Excellence at the Winter Park Art Festival, along with Judge’s Choice (2nd place overall) at the St. Johns Festival of the Arts. He also took third place for oil painting at Art Fiesta, and that’s just scratching the surface. His work continues to stand out across the Florida art scene.
The Inspiration Behind Bill's 'First Try'
Bill is a Florida contemporary realist painter known for capturing everyday moments in a way that feels both simple and meaningful. One of his pieces, "First Try," immediately caught my eye, and I knew it had to be our cover this month. The painting is based on a photograph taken by ECC Fishing Report writer Patrick Eichstaedt and features a local grom named Lucy catching her first wave.
As Bill put it, “Standing up on a wave is a rite of passage for a Smyrnite. In this piece, Lucy is fully focused, moving with the rhythm of the ocean.” It’s a beautiful snapshot of a moment that feels so true to our town, and Bill captured it perfectly.
Experience the Exhibit at Jane’s Art Center
If you haven’t visited Jane’s Art Center, this is a great excuse. It’s a beautiful space that showcases multiple artists and makes for a perfect outing, especially with Mother’s Day coming up.
100 N Cooper St #1, New Smyrna Beach 32169
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