Mission/History

UFG Window BannerMission:

UFORGE Gallery’s mission is to foster creativity by facilitating diverse and affordable project assignment based, non-juried (open door) art exhibitions; to provide a venue to exhibit these works; to cultivate both a collaborative and inclusive arts community at large through educational workshops and special events.

A More In-depth Look:

Forged within the heart of the artistic community Jamaica Plain, the UFORGE Gallery is an all inclusive fine art gallery in Boston. UFORGE launched in 2011 by Boston artists, Brian Crete (painter) and Rob Festa (photographer) with the belief that everyone has the right to show their creativity without worrying about cost or having an “expert” artistic ability. UFORGE began as a locally grown concept in 2010: dedicating a space within the community that allows artists to create new artwork and grow beyond their artistic comfort zones.

Now as an official fine art gallery in the center of Jamaica Plain, UFORGE offers distinct monthly assignment opportunities for all artists including amateurs, professionals, students, teachers and cooperatives. As the only non-juried gallery in the area, UFORGE puts aside the pretension and the financial gain that ever-so-often hinders creativity – they accept and exhibit artwork based on the monthly assignment on a first come, first serve basis. With monthly assignments, impromptu artistic sessions, teachings and special events, UFORGE is an original fine art destination and education center that awakens and inspires the creativity within the community and you.

Accomplishments:

Since opening our doors in April 2011, UFORGE Gallery’s simple mission was to foster creativity, provide a venue for exhibiting and to collaborate with the community.

We are happy to share some of the accomplishments we have had with so many members of our arts community, including:

  • Exhibited over 277 artists including both seasoned professionals and first-time artists.
  • Launched 22 inspiring monthly themed group shows.
  • Hosted 20 seasoned artists on our signature wall, {the revolver @ ufg}, including international artist, Eva Hermanska.
  • Provided spontaneous public art projects, aptly titled, Make.Art.Now.
  • Hosting venue and collaborator with Divine Stage Works play reading series, PlaYces.
  • Collaborated with the Friends of Jamaica Plain Library marking the JPBL’s 100th anniversary with a live art auction.
  • Partnered with the Trustees of Eliot Hall, home of The Footlight Club with a Holiday Art Fair each December.
  • Partnered with the Eliot School and launched workshops that compliment our gallery assignments.
  • Provided professional development and educational lectures such as Revitalizing Historic Sites through Contemporary Art by Kate Burgess-MacIntosh and an evening with photojournalist and author of ‘All the Kennedy’s are Dead’, Darren McCollister.
  • Recognized by many publications as a resource for area artists, including Stuff Boston, Daily Candy, The Phoenix, Weekly Dig and the JP Patch.