New Exhibit

“Others Before Self” 

September 12, 2026 through January 4, 2027

COEXHIBIT:”Others Before Self” (Main Gallery  and Center Gallery exhibits)
Opening Reception: September 19 from 1-5 pm featuring live music by the NY School of Music performing songs with the theme of “hero.”

We all have heroes we look up to; some among our everyday community, others shaped our childhoods through comics and movies. In one of their most multilayered exhibitions yet, GRIT Gallery honors the positive forces and influences, whether real or fictional, during “Others Before Self” opening September 12, 2026 through January 4, 2027.

GRIT’s gallery will be divided into immersive worlds that remain cohesive through the ongoing theme. In the industrial-chic Main Gallery, observe the large-scale mixed media paintings of curator and in-house artist David Lionheart (Newburgh, NY) and fine artist Stephen Leopold (Denver, CO) whose work evokes nostalgia through renditions of beloved superhero characters and a sense of pride with painting of community heroes like firefighters 

The critically praised work of rising star illustrator Marcus Owens’ “Slave Cemetery,” an award-winning graphic novel, brings forth social awareness with a critical view of history; the comic will be on display and feature an interactive QR code that brings up a video podcast interview with the artist.

The intimate Center Gallery features a collection of small-scale works by more than 40 sketch card artists, known for rare and collectible trading cards featuring Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and other popular character brands. Each of the 100-plus framed 3.5” x 2.5” original painting is impressive and magical to behold, created by globally recognized artists like Dawn Murphy, Addie, RIch Hennemann, Charlie Cody, Cisco Rivera, Ash Gonzales and David Jacob Duke. A QR code beside the work leads to an interview with the artist. 

A series of workshops where guests of all ages can create their own sketch card will take place throughout the fall (dates below), while surrounded by the intricately hand-painted and -drawn sketch cards framed on the wall. The cardstock for these workshops was created and donated by Mike Beesman and Golden Hive Gallery, while GRIT provides supplies and guidance for ideation, practice, and creation.

A fun and creative process developed by renowned sketch artist David Jacob Duke (known in the collecting simply as “DUKE”) will be used to guide participants to a successful creation of sketch cards they can be proud of. 

Workshop dates:

• September 12, 2026 11am – 1pm
• September 19, 2026 1-3pm (and NY School of Music performance)
• October 24, 2026 1-3pm
• November 14, 2026 1-3pm
• December 12, 2026 1-3pm

We are appreciative to the private collectors who donated the artwork for display as well as the artists who donated completed works for the exhibit and creative mission.