An independent art gallery in Youngstown held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, marking a continued commitment to showcasing the work of the gallery’s operator.
MoniKa Vega operates Gallery 18, allowing attendees to see her large-scale original pieces highlighting original work.
The gallery was originally founded in 2017, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place at its new location on Canfield Road.
“In 2017, I decided to launch a brand after having a lot of experience in visual art,” Vega said. “I did my first art show in 2002…wasn’t sure I’d ever be a businesswoman then but decided in 2017 that it was time.”
Vega says that one reason she decided to open a gallery of her own was that many art galleries across the country and in Ohio are full. Opening Gallery 18 allows Vega to deal directly with her clients.
Outside of her art pieces, the event showcased Vega’s e-book, The Artist & Her Art, which offers insight into her journey to becoming an artist.
“Art captures eras, it captures history, and it also tells the timeline,” Vega previously told 21 News. “A lot of times, people are too busy to read books, people are too busy to sit down with a podcast, but they like to watch or look at art, and it sparks creative thought within an individual, no matter what industry you’re in.”
MoniKa Vega
According to a news release, the gallery works to highlight compelling visual narratives while supporting the regional arts community.
Vega creates mainly with acrylic paint but also does a hybrid of contemporary and abstract art, as well as sketches and drawings.
“I really like beauty, so I like to create beautiful things,” she said.
Gallery 18 is located at 3507 Canfield Rd., Suite 5, in Youngstown.