At 915 Toll House Avenue, Artspiration, the city’s newest art gallery, opened its doors to a deeply resonant exhibition titled Shades of Black. Centered on the breadth and nuance of Black contemporary art, the opening reception drew community leaders, collectors, supporters, and curious art lovers to the gallery space. With a music-filled reception, conversations among artists, and active engagement from attendees, the event amplified voices historically underrepresented in mainstream galleries.
Ted Luck: Rooted in Community and Vision
Featured in Shades of Black, Ted Luck brought his mixed-media work to the exhibition with a compelling piece titled I Have a Dream, a collage on canvas that bridges personal reflection and social commentary. A long-time member of the Frederick creative community, Luck has transitioned from a distinguished career in education to full-time artistic practice, becoming known for work that blends technicality with emotional depth. His pieces often speak to resilience and collective experience, which made his presence at Shades of Black a highlight for many visitors who admired both his technique and message.
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Diane “Diantha” Mitchell: Color, Form, and Narrative
Diane’s work bursts with color, texture, and imagination. Surrounded by family who proudly came out to support her at the opening reception, Mitchell’s presence added a warm, celebratory energy to the gallery. Her creative practice doesn’t fit neatly into one box — she moves fluidly between paintings, collages, and other mixed-media expressions, allowing each piece to take shape in its own way. The result is a body of work that feels playful yet deeply personal, inviting visitors to discover something new with every glance. Throughout the evening, guests gravitated toward her pieces, drawn in by layered surfaces, vibrant palettes, and her very own storytelling that felt both intimate and universal.
Herbie Balboa: Art in Real Time
Herbie Balboa was a dynamic presence at Shades of Black; he occupied a dedicated live studio space within the gallery. Visitors could observe Balboa as he worked, witnessing the real-time evolution of his creative process. His setup transformed the gallery from a static exhibition into a living atelier, reinforcing the idea that art is not only to be seen but also experienced in its creation.
Emmanuel Douge: Photographer’s First Exhibition
The opening also spotlighted Emmanuel Douge, a photographer making his first formal exhibition debut. Douge’s work in Shades of Black presents a series of portraits and realism scenes that highlight artistic reality. His imagery captures light and shadow with a monochromatic intimacy that invites viewers to reflect on everyday life through a fresh lens. Douge’s transition into the gallery world marks an exciting moment for Frederick’s artistic ecosystem and him, as he tells the world a story through photography.
The reception also showcased other talents such as Taurean Washington, whose presence in the community as a multi-disciplinary artist enriches the depth of the local scene. Live music filled the space thanks to performing act JayBaby and others, whose set added soulful layers to the evening, while OUT40 supported the event as a sponsor.
Shades of Black runs through March 1st, 2026, giving art lovers several weeks to experience the exhibition during Artspiration’s regular hours — Fridays 10–4, Saturdays 12–5 (extended on First Saturdays), and Sundays 12–5, with appointments available during the week.
Photo Credit: KCV Photography