10 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE Art for Everyone CREATING CULTURE Sweet Tooth Open Call Exhibition at the Gallery at CCA Saskia Jorda-Tethered: Saskia Jordaat the Gallery at CCA B. Jean Larson installation in Speak to Me Softly at Vision Gallery

FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 11 FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 11 BY MICHELLE JACOBY Vision Gallery’s ever-changing canvas for creativity I n the heart of downtown Chandler, tucked inside the City Hall complex, Vision Gallery has quietly evolved into one of the East Valley’s most dynamic cultural destinations. With rotating exhibitions, interactive community programs and a deep commitment to inclusivity, the gallery offers a vibrant, ever-changing art experience — one that surprises and delights with each visit. Founded in 1997 as a commercial gallery supported by the Chandler Cultural Foundation, Vision Gallery moved to its current space in 2010. Now operating under the umbrella of the Chandler Museum, its mission has shifted from selling art to showcasing it in ways that spark dialogue and reflect the city’s rich diversity. “Our main focus is to highlight local, regional and sometimes national artists,” said exhibits curator Jillian Nakornthap. “We want this space to reflect the diversity of the Chandler community.” No single style defines Vision Gallery. One month, visitors might encounter a bold graffiti wall; the next, delicate quilts or large-scale installations suspended from the ceiling. “We’ve shown everyone from graffiti artists to quilters,” Nakornthap said. In fact, the annual quilt exhibition — now in its 30 th year — is one of the gallery’s most beloved traditions. Thematically curated group shows are another hallmark. “We had an exhibit called ‘Chasing Ghosts’ that dealt with grieving, and one called ‘Ties That Bind’ that focused on familial relationships,” Nakornthap said. “A recent exhibit, ‘Speak to Me Softly,’ featured work by female and nonbinary artists using soft materials to explore heavy topics.” Community-centered exhibitions are a big part of the gallery’s programming, as well. One of the most popular was “Cruising,” a celebration of lowrider culture curated by a city staff member and local enthusiast. Complete with a car show outside the gallery, the event drew over 1,000 attendees. Out of Character exhibition at Vision Gallery Photos courtesy of City of Chandler.